Rabies - Causes
Rabies is caused by a virus that belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae. The virus is usually transmitted by way of an animal bite. The virus is present in the saliva of an infected animal. When an infected animal bites another animal, the virus in its saliva may flow into the second animal's bloodstream. The second animal becomes infected with the virus.
On rare occasions, the rabies virus can be transmitted in other ways. It can enter an animal's body through moist tissues around the eyes or lips or through a scratch in the skin. Some scientists believe the virus can even be inhaled. For example, the air in a cave occupied by bats may contain high levels of the rabies virus. A person who walks through the cave may breathe in some of the virus.
- Antibody:
- A protein produced by the immune system in response to a specific foreign substance that enters the body.
- Biopsy:
- A procedure by which a small sample of tissue is removed and studied for the purpose of diagnosis.
- Lumbar puncture:
- A procedure in which a long, thin needle is inserted between the vertebrae in a person's spine in order to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Rhabdovirus:
- The virus that causes rabies.
Once it enters the body, the rabies virus travels to the nerves branching from the spinal cord and brain. It also travels to the salivary glands. The virus may lie dormant for several weeks or months. In its dormant stage, the virus is still alive, but it does not attack the body or produce any symptoms. It may continue to reproduce and spread through the body in its dormant stage. The only sign of a rabies infection at first may be a burning or painful sensation around the bite wound.
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: