Rabies virus
Rabies virus
The Rabies virus (pronounced /ˈreɪbiːz/) is a neurotropic virus that causes rabies, a lethal disease in mammals.
Etymology
The term "rabies" is derived from the Latin word "rabies," which means "madness." This may be related to the Sanskrit word "rabhas," which means "to do violence."
Description
The Rabies virus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family and the Lyssavirus genus. It is a single-stranded, negative-sense, RNA virus. The virus is bullet-shaped and is approximately 75 nm by 180 nm in size. It primarily infects the central nervous system (CNS), causing disease in the brain and, ultimately, death.
Transmission
The Rabies virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite and saliva of a rabid animal. In rare cases, the virus can be spread when infected saliva gets into an open wound or the mucous membranes, such as the mouth or eyes.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of rabies are similar to that of the flu, including general weakness, discomfort, fever, or headache. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water).
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of rabies involves vaccination of domestic animals and pets, and immediate post-exposure treatment for humans. The rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin are used for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rabies virus
- Wikipedia's article - Rabies virus
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