Title: Availability of Rabies Immunoglobulin at Primary Health Centers

Authors: Dr Hima Bindu Gujjarlamudi, Manisha Ayinaparthi, Dr Rajesh Dupaguntla

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i7.28

Abstract

Rabies is acute encephalitis caused by rabies virus. The World Health Organization estimates 60,000 human deaths annually from endemic canine rabies. This can be prevented through timely administration of post exposure prophylaxis to bite victims.  Administration of Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) along with anti rabies vaccine (ARV) immediately after a bite categorized as severe (grade III) will reduce the chances of rabies.  ARV is not sufficient in severe cases as it takes seven days to begin providing protection. So, RIG is infiltrated into the wound for immediate short term protection in the meanwhile the rabies vaccines start to work. As dog bites are common in rural areas, RIG must be available in primary health centers to reduce the risk of rabies. Limited supply impedes the accessibility of lifesaving treatment especially in rabies endemic areas.

Keywords:  Rabies, anti rabies vaccine, anti rabies immunoglobulin.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Rajesh Dupaguntla

Dept. of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Ongole -523001, Andhra Pradesh, India