Myelin Basic Protein as an Encephalitogen in Encephalomyelitis and Polyneuritis Following Rabies Vaccination

Abstract

Encephalitis and polyneuritis occurring after rabies vaccination are believed to be immunologically mediated. We studied antibody responses to neural antigens in 36 patients with major neurologic complications, 25 with minor complications, and 39 with no complications after immunization with a brain-derived, Semple rabies vaccine. Patients with major complications had significantly elevated levels of antibody to brain white matter as compared with the other groups (P1b and GT^1b. No antibodies to myelin-associated glycoprotein were detected in any of the samples.