Review on Vaccination and Control Options of Rabies Virus

Abstract

Warm-blooded animals, such as humans, are susceptible to the fatal viral infection rabies. The WHO states that once clinical signs start to show, rabies is almost usually fatal. Vaccination was shown to be a viable method of preventing rabies, especially in reservoir hosts. Considerable attempts were made over the last 50 years to create and enhance vaccinations that will help control and prevent the disease in both humans and animals. Several laboratory and animal experiments have evaluated early rabies vaccines, including live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines. However, modern advancements have led to the development of innovative options to enhance the immunogenicity and clinical effectiveness of vaccines. These include recombinant vaccines, vaccines utilizing viral vectors, cell culture-based formulations, and adjuvant-enhanced vaccines, genetic approaches like DNA and RNA-based platforms, and chimeric vaccine models. Notwithstanding such developments, nothing is known about the immunogenic potential, safety, and effectiveness of these vaccinations. This review seeks to compile findings from in vitro and in vivo research, offering a comprehensive analysis of rabies vaccines across diverse categories. Furthermore, it evaluates their immune response capabilities, effectiveness, and safety while addressing their clinical trial performance.