Monoclonal antibodies for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: A paradigm shift in passive immunization

Gyanendra Gongal* and Gadey Sampath

An estimated 59000 people die of rabies every year in the world. Passive immunization forms an important component of rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), in Category III exposures,and sometimes in Category II exposures. Presently Rabies Immunoglobulins (RIGs) of human and equine origin are being used in most partsof the world, for passive immunization. However, overall, less than 10% of patients with category III exposuresare receiving passive immunization due to economic and technical reasons including shortage and often limited supply of RIGs. Although plasma derived RIGs have proven to be highly efficient in conferring protection after rabies exposure, the limited access, high cost and often short supply of RIGs are major constraints. Therefore, a search for a replacement to plasma derived RIGs has been strongly encouraged by the WHO since 1990. The development and availability of rabies monoclonal antibodies in recent years is a positive sign. This short note elaborates the importance of Rabies monoclonal Antibodies (RmAb) in rabies PEP and its potential role in improving availability, accessibility and affordability of biologicals for passive immunization in order to reduce human mortality due to rabies in resource poor endemic countries.

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Published on: Aug 8, 2020 Pages: 35-38

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/apm.000017
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