Rabies: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development)

After ingestion, the rabies virus remains in the area of the bite site during the incubation period. It binds to acetylcholine receptors. After entering the peripheral nerves, it spreads throughout the nervous system, where it then causes inflammatory and degenerative changes and ultimately neuronal cell death. Only after infection of the nervous system does spread to other body tissues occur.

Etiology (causes)

Biographic causes

• Occupations
  • Veterinarians, hunters, forestry personnel, and others handling animals in areas of recent wildlife rabies.
  • Persons with professional close contact with bats.
  • Laboratory personnel with risk of exposure to rabies viruses.

Other causes

• Mucosal contact with saliva of an infected animal.