Current Status and Development of Vaccines and Other Biologics for Human Rabies Prevention

Abstract

Rabies is a neglected viral zoonosis with the highest case fatality of any infectious disease. Pasteur’s historical accomplishments during the late 19^th century began the process of human vaccine development, continuing to evolve into the 21^st century. Over the past 35 years, great improvements occurred in the production of potent tissue culture vaccines and the gradual removal from the market of unsafe nerve tissue products. Timely and appropriate administration of modern biologics virtually assures survivorship, even after severe exposures. Nevertheless, in the developing world, if not provided for free nationally, the cost of a single course of human prophylaxis exceeds the average monthly wage of the common worker. Beyond traditional approaches, recombinant, sub-unit and other novel methods are underway to improve the availability of safe, effective and more affordable rabies biologics.