Recent Advances in Rabies and Its Control Strategies

Background: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by viruses of the Lyssavirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family, affecting a wide range of mammals. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, rabies continues to pose a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with active urban transmission. This review aims to evaluate recent progress in understanding the virus’s biology, epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and control strategies. Methods: A comprehensive review of recent peer-reviewed studies and global health reports was conducted. Literature on viral structure and environmental persistence, epidemiological data from urban and wildlife transmission cycles, neuropathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic advances, and preventive measures were analyzed and synthesized. Results: Rabies virus demonstrates strong neurotropism and spreads via retrograde axonal transport, leading to fatal encephalitis. Epidemiological data reveal that control success varies by region, with persistent outbreaks in areas lacking coordinated vaccination programs. Diagnostic advancements such as the direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT), rapid rabies immunodiagnostic test (RRID), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) have improved detection accuracy. Preventive strategies include widespread vaccination of domestic animals, oral immunization programs for wildlife in Europe, and implementation of the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization (FAVN) test threshold of _x۰۰۰۶_۶۰.۵ IU/mL for safe animal movement and quarantine. Conclusion: The global elimination of rabies depends on integrating high vaccination coverage, strong laboratory diagnostic capacity, and effective public health governance. Sustained intersectoral collaboration and surveillance are essential to achieving long-term control and eventual eradication of this preventable yet deadly disease.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rabies ، Lyssavirus ، Epidemiology ، Retrograde axonal transport ، Vaccination ، Antiviral Compounds