Covers the rabies virus within the family Rhabdoviridae, starting with its bullet-shaped, enveloped structure and negative-sense RNA genome, then the roles of its five proteins in a table. It moves through the route of infection from bite to central nervous system, virulence factors, the incubation period and the furious and paralytic clinical forms, followed by diagnostic methods including Negri bodies, treatment limits, and vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis steps.
Topic 94 of 113 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Microbiology (Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 9 sections, about 374 words (3 min of reading), with 15 flashcards.
In this note
Family Rhabdoviridae – Rabies Virus
I. General Characteristics
II. Structure and Genome
III. Pathogenesis
IV. Virulence Factors
V. Clinical Features
VI. Diagnosis
VII. Treatment
VIII. Prevention and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
I. General Characteristics
Rabies virus belongs to the Family Rhabdoviridae, Genus Lyssavirus.
Enveloped, bullet-shaped virus with negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome.
Helical nucleocapsid enclosed in a lipid envelope.
Genome codes for 5 proteins: N, P, M, G, L.
Replicates in the cytoplasm of host neurons.
Zoonotic virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mammals, especially dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes.
II. Structure and Genome
Bullet shape is due to helical symmetry + envelope.
III. Pathogenesis
Entry via animal bite → virus infects muscle tissue at the site.
Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction.
Enters peripheral nerves via endocytosis → undergoes retrograde axonal transport to CNS.
Replicates in the dorsal root ganglia → spreads to brain (especially hippocampus, cerebellum, brainstem).
Later spreads anterogradely to salivary glands, skin, eyes, and other tissues.
Progression is irreversible once CNS symptoms begin.
IV. Virulence Factors
Glycoprotein G:
Critical for cell entry and neuroinvasion.
Induces formation of neutralizing antibodies (basis for vaccine).
Immune evasion:
Limited antigen presentation during incubation period due to restricted replication in peripheral tissues.
Avoids immune detection until CNS is involved.
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