Rabies Immunoglobulin Effectiveness

The rabies virus is a potentially fatal virus that is carried in an animal host and transmitted through a bite or other contact that allows the virus to enter the bloodstream. A part of the recommended treatment is a dose of immunoglobulin, which has a high effectiveness in stopping the spread of the rabies virus in humans when used in conjunction with a rabies vaccine.

Human Rabies Immunoglobulin

• Human rabies immunoglobulin prophylaxis is recommended as the first treatment after exposure to the rabies virus, followed by five doses of rabies vaccine over the next month. Human rabies immunoglobulin is not recommended for use as a pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Where Is Immunoglobulin Given?

• Human rabies immunoglobulin is infused at the wound site, with the balance of the drug injected intramuscularly into the patient.

Immunoglobulin Substitute

• Because human rabies immunoglobulin can be in short supply, an alternative recommended by some health authorities is equine (horse) rabies immunoglobulin.

When To Use Immunoglobulin?

• Human rabies immunoglobulin should be administered on the same day as the first rabies vaccine dose. If not available, the immunoglobulin can be given up to 7 days after the first vaccine dose.

Category

• The World Health Organization recommends using human rabies immunoglobulin only for category III contact, which is defined as having bites or scratches from the infected carrier.