Detection of rabies virus RNA in dog-bite wounds in a rabies-endemic area: evidence from an observational cohort study - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #Dog-Bite Wounds
- #Rabies Surveillance
- #Viral RNA Detection
- The study conducted an observational cohort analysis on rabies virus RNA detection in dog-bite wounds in a rabies-endemic area.
- It involved 100 participants in Pakistan with WHO category III bite wounds, collecting wound swabs before and after washing, and serum samples before and 14 days after post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Results showed rabies virus RNA was detected in 64% of swabs using genotype-1 PCR and 44% using pan-lyssavirus PCR, with sequencing and phylogenetic analysis performed on positive samples.
- Wound washing slightly reduced RNA levels, and by day 14, rabies neutralizing antibodies were detected in 93.8% of individuals, indicating effective PEP response.
- The study concludes that wound swab-based RNA detection is a feasible method for surveillance and exposure assessment in endemic settings, supporting its broader clinical application.