Rabies Antiserum A Potential Life Saving Treatment Against Rabies Infection In Industry
What is Rabies Antiserum?
Anti Rabies Serum, also known as rabies immune globulin or RIG, is a polyclonal antibody product manufactured from plasma donated by hyperimmunized humans or animals. It contains rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies which can help fight against rabies virus infection in the body. The antibodies in Anti Rabies Serum are specifically targeted against the rabies virus and work by binding to the virus, preventing it from infecting cells in the body and allowing the immune system to then eliminate the virus.
How is it Rabies Antiserum?
Anti Rabies Serum is administered through infiltration around the wound area as soon as possible after a suspected Rabies Antiserum animal bite or scratch occurs. This helps neutralize any rabies virus that may have been introduced into the wound at the time of exposure. For bite wounds on the head, neck or other highly innervated areas, the antiserum can also be given intramuscularly near the wound sites. For persons who have already developed clinical signs of rabies, additional Anti Rabies Serum may be given through intravenous administration but the prognosis is usually very poor at this stage.
Role in Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Anti Rabies Serum plays an important role as part of the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocol recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health authorities. PEP involves thorough cleaning of all wound sites, local administration of Anti Rabies Serum around the wound edges and corners within 24 hours, as well as 5 doses of rabies vaccine over 28 days.
The antibodies present in Anti Rabies Serum neutralize any virus particles present at the wound site, preventing them from infecting cells and gaining a foothold in the body. This provides immediate short-term passive immune protection while the body's active immune response mounts through vaccination. Studies have shown that prompt administration of Anti Rabies Serum combined with vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing clinical rabies following a rabies exposure.
Side Effects and Precautions
Anti Rabies Serum is generally well tolerated but mild side effects like pain, redness or swelling may occur at the injection site. Rarely, allergic reactions like rash, fever or nausea have also been reported. Because Anti Rabies Serum is produced from human or animal plasma, there is also a small theoretical risk of transmitting other bloodborne pathogens even though donors are carefully screened and the product is put through viral inactivation processes.
Doctors should take precautions such as performing a skin test for reactions before injecting the antiserum. Persons with a history of prior hypersensitivity reactions to equine or human immunoglobulin preparations may be at higher risk of adverse events. Anti Rabies Serum should be avoided in pregnancy unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
Availability and Challenges
A few manufacturers produce Anti Rabies Serum worldwide to meet global demand. However, challenges remain in stabilizing the supply and ensuring adequate availability, especially in rabies-endemic developing countries where it is needed the most. This is due to various reasons such as the stringent regulations around blood and plasma-derived products, the cost and complexities of production, and the often sporadic nature of demand. Stockouts have been reported from some regions, putting bite victims at risk of not receiving the complete PEP protocol in time.
Countries are trying to address this through measures like maintaining buffer stocks at regional levels, improving surveillance of animal bites to forecast needs, and switching to cheaper alternatives like equine RIG where appropriate. However, universal access to potent Anti Rabies Serum remains a public health priority, especially in areas where dog-transmitted rabies remains uncontrolled. Ensuring a regular supply of this life-saving biological could help save many lives lost to this almost always fatal viral disease each year worldwide.
Anti Rabies Serum works as an immediate passive immunization agent against rabies and forms a crucial component of PEP along with vaccination. While it faces challenges, continual efforts are required from manufacturers, organizations and governments to stabilize global production capacity and distribution chains to better serve those at risk in endemic regions. With reliable supplies and timely administration as part of PEP to exposed persons, Anti Rabies Serum has proven effective in neutralizing the virus and preventing deaths due to one of the deadliest viruses known to mankind.
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About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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