The rabies virus is classed as a Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus.
  • Rod shaped RNA virus. Multiple strains exist.
  • True annual mortality is not known, but probably high in developing countries. Very rare in US.
  • Incubation varies, ranging from 7-90 days.
    • Shorter in the case of facial and sever multiple bites.
  • Interval between onset of symptoms and death is 7-11 days.
  • Prodromal symptom of paraesthesia, especially itching, at the site of the healed bite.
  • Local multiplication in muscle cells at site of inoculation.
  • Picked up by nerves and carried to dorsal root ganglia. Gives rise to paraesthesias.
  • Once in the CNS, there is rapid growth.
  • Arrives in salivary glands through autonomic nervous system.
  • Negri bodies are intra-neuronal aggregates of developing viruses. Most notable in:
    • Pyramidal cells of hippocampus
    • Purkinje cells of cerrebellum

Pictures here are courtesy of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
Close Window