Modulo 1 - 1 Dr Baldomero Molina Flores

Introduction to Rabies

Overview of Rabies

• The course is introduced by Dr. Baldomero Molina Flores, a veterinarian specializing in zoonotic diseases at the Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health.

• Rabies, also known as hydrophobia, is an acute viral disease caused by an RNA virus from the Lyssavirus family, affecting both domestic and wild mammals.

Historical Context

• The earliest mention of rabies dates back to the Code of Hammurabi (circa 2300 BC), which imposed penalties on dog owners if their rabid dogs caused human fatalities.

• Notable historical figures like Democritus and Aristotle contributed to understanding rabies' clinical presentation and transmission through animal saliva.

Development of Vaccines

• Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine in 1881, requiring 21 inoculations; advancements later reduced this number significantly.

• In 1954, a new vaccine was created using mouse brain tissue that was inactivated with ultraviolet light.

Epidemiology and Impact of Rabies

Virus Classification and Variants

• The classical rabies virus belongs to filogroup 1, with various antigenic variants identified across different species including bats and canids.

Epidemiological Cycles

• Rabies has distinct epidemiological cycles: urban (dogs/cats), sylvatic (wild animals), aerial (bats), and rural (herbivores).

Economic Impact

• Rabies significantly affects agriculture due to livestock deaths estimated at $72-$97 million annually in the Americas; it also poses health risks for those working with infected animals.

Public Health Concerns

Global Statistics

• Rabies is responsible for over 50,000 human deaths annually worldwide; children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for up to 60% of cases.

Socioeconomic Factors

• Most rabies cases occur in Africa and Asia, often linked to socioeconomic conditions; approximately $8.6 billion is lost yearly due to dog-transmitted rabies costs.

Prevention Strategies

• Vaccination of dogs is crucial for eliminating human rabies cases transmitted by dogs; effective vaccination programs can drastically reduce incidence rates.