Rabies Virus Research Paper

ETIOLOGY
" Rabies is a bullet shaped Lyssavirus (lyssa meaning frenzy)1
" Rabies is from the family Rhabdovirus.2
" The rabies variant is named after the reservoir host. For example, rabies from a bat is called bat rabies, and rabies from a canine would be referred to as canine rabies2
" Viruses may contain either DNA or RNA and utilize live cells to reproduce.1
" The Rabies virus contains RNA. The Rabies virus also mutates abruptly creating mutant strains of the virus.1
" When the virus enters the host, it is initially in numbers far too miniscule to trigger an immune response.1
" The virus remains in the tissue for a while after being introduced into the body. As soon as their numbers increase enough, the virus travels throughout the body

1
" An animal with furious rabies exhibits the classic signs of becoming vicious. The animal is restless and will bite anything in its path. o The other form is "furious" rabies (also known as classic rabies).1
" If an animal has the paralytic form of rabies it appears unaware of its surroundings and remains quiet, but they may bite if handled. 1
" Foaming at the mouth and drooling may be present with both forms of the disease.1
" Other clinical signs include:1 o Seizures1 o Paralysis1 o Inability to swallow1 o Nervousness1
" All of these symptoms occur because the virus is basically damaging the animal's nervous system. Paralysis is due to peripheral nerve and spinal cord damage. When the virus reaches the brain, behavioral changes develop due to brain damage and fatal