Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of genetic material does the rabies virus possess?
What type of genetic material does the rabies virus possess?
- dsDNA
- ssRNA (correct)
- dsRNA
- ssDNA
Which of the following is NOT a common source of rabies in the US?
Which of the following is NOT a common source of rabies in the US?
- Skunks
- Cats (correct)
- Bats
- Coyotes
How does the rabies virus progress after entering through a bite?
How does the rabies virus progress after entering through a bite?
- Attacks the immune system first
- Immediately attacks the brain
- Spreads through the bloodstream instantly
- Multiplies at the bite site before entering nerves (correct)
What is one of the primary characteristics of rabies progression?
What is one of the primary characteristics of rabies progression?
What neurological symptom occurs first in untreated rabies progression?
What neurological symptom occurs first in untreated rabies progression?
What is the primary method of confirming rabies post-mortem?
What is the primary method of confirming rabies post-mortem?
What preventive measure has the government implemented to control rabies among wild animals?
What preventive measure has the government implemented to control rabies among wild animals?
What is a common misconception regarding rabies vaccination after exposure?
What is a common misconception regarding rabies vaccination after exposure?
Who is at risk of rabies infection?
Who is at risk of rabies infection?
What does rabies exemplify in its nature as an infection?
What does rabies exemplify in its nature as an infection?
Match the following mammals with their rabies risk status:
Match the following mammals with their rabies risk status:
Match the stages of rabies progression with their symptoms:
Match the stages of rabies progression with their symptoms:
Match the following rabies characteristics with their descriptions:
Match the following rabies characteristics with their descriptions:
Match the rabies facts with their implications:
Match the rabies facts with their implications:
Match the following rabies virus transmission scenarios:
Match the following rabies virus transmission scenarios:
Match the symptoms of rabies infection with their stages:
Match the symptoms of rabies infection with their stages:
Match health responses to rabies scenarios:
Match health responses to rabies scenarios:
Match the following rabies symptoms with their order of progression:
Match the following rabies symptoms with their order of progression:
Match the following measures with their rabies control purpose:
Match the following measures with their rabies control purpose:
Match the following rabies virus characteristics with their specifics:
Match the following rabies virus characteristics with their specifics:
Study Notes
Rabies Virus
- Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by a virus belonging to the rhabdovirus group.
- The virus has a single-stranded RNA genome (ssRNA), a helical capsid, and a distinctive bullet-shaped envelope.
- The virus is found in the saliva of infected animals.
- All mammals are susceptible to rabies infection.
- In the US, the main reservoir for rabies is wild mammals.
Rabies Transmission
- The most common way for humans to contract rabies is through a bite from an infected animal.
- Other ways of transmission include scratches, licking, and contact with contaminated saliva.
- In the US, bats are the most common source of rabies.
- Other common sources include skunks, coyotes, and raccoons.
- In countries with weak veterinary vaccination programs, dog bites are a major source of rabies.
Rabies Progression
- After entering the body through a bite, the virus multiplies at the bite site for a week.
- The virus then travels through nerves to the spinal cord, brain, and salivary glands.
- This progression can take weeks or months, allowing time for post-exposure treatment.
Rabies Symptoms
- Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue.
- As the disease progresses, symptoms can include agitation, disorientation, hydrophobia, paralysis, coma, and death.
- Untreated rabies is 100% fatal.
- Diagnosis often involves finding Negri bodies in the brain during autopsy.
Rabies Prevention and Treatment
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rabies.
- Post-exposure vaccination is effective if administered promptly after a bite or scratch.
- The government has initiated a wild animal rabies vaccination program using food baits containing the vaccine.
- The goal is to protect both wild animals and humans from rabies.
Rabies Virus
- Part of the rhabdovirus group
- Single-stranded RNA genome (ssRNA)
- Helical capsid
- Distinctive bullet-shaped envelope
Rabies Transmission
- Transmissible to all mammals
- Reservoir in wild mammals
- Primarily transmitted through bites
- US: Bats, skunks, coyotes, raccoons
- Other countries: Dogs
Zoonosis
- Infection normally found in animals
- Transmissible to humans
Rabies Progression
- Slow progression (weeks to months)
- Virus multiplies at bite site for a week
- Enters nerves and moves to spinal cord, brain, and salivary glands
- Time for post-exposure vaccination
Symptoms
- Fever, headache, fatigue
- Agitation, disorientation, hydrophobia
- Paralysis, coma, death
Treatment
- Post-exposure vaccination available
- Vaccination effective if administered before symptoms develop
Mortality
- 100% fatal if untreated
- Diagnosis often confirmed post-mortem by finding Negri bodies in the brain
Rabies Prevention
- US government vaccination programs for wild animals
- Vaccine-laced food left for wild animals to consume
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers essential information about the rabies virus, including its characteristics, transmission methods, and progression in hosts. Test your knowledge on how rabies affects mammals, the common sources of infection, and the disease’s effects on humans. Perfect for biology students and anyone interested in infectious diseases.
