Rabies: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Preventionand Treatment

Rabies is a deadly zoonotic viral disease transmitted through the bite or scratch ofinfected animals. This abstract provides an overview of the clinical features, diagnosis,prevention, and treatment of rabies. Rabies presents in two main forms: furious andparalytic. Furious rabies is characterized by hyperactivity, agitation, and hydrophobia,while paralytic rabies manifests as progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. Otherneurologic symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, and difficulty swallowing.Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. Diagnosis of rabies involves acombination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and epidemiological information.Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test and Reverse Transcription Polymerase ChainReaction (RT-PCR) are commonly used for postmortem and antemortem diagnosis,respectively. Histopathological examination and serological tests are also utilized.Prompt diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management. Preventing rabies involvesseveral strategies. Vaccination of animals, especially dogs, is essential to controltransmission. Responsible pet ownership, including proper confinement and vaccinationof pets, plays a vital role. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involving wound care, rabiesimmunoglobulin (RIG) administration, and vaccination is recommended for individualsat risk of exposure. Public awareness, education, and surveillance efforts are important for prevention. There is no specific treatment for rabies once symptoms develop. Supportive care focuses on alleviating symptoms and ensuring comfort. Wound care, administration of RIG, and a series of rabies vaccine doses are essential components of PEP. Experimental antiviral drugs are under investigation but are not currently part of standard treatment protocols. In conclusion, rabies is a severe viral disease with a high fatality rate. Early diagnosis, proper wound care, and timely administration of PEP are crucial in preventing the progression of the disease. Vaccination, responsible pet ownership, public awareness, and surveillance efforts are key in preventing rabies transmission. Further research is needed to develop effective treatments against this devastating disease.