Fatal Human Rabies Infection With Suspected Host-Mediated Failure of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Following a Recognized Zoonotic Exposure-Minnesota, 2021.

ABSTRACT:

Background

No human rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) failure has been documented in the United States using modern cell culture-based vaccines. In January 2021, an 84-year-old male died from rabies 6 months after being bitten by a rabid bat despite receiving timely rabies PEP. We investigated the cause of breakthrough infection.

Methods

We reviewed medical records, laboratory results, and autopsy findings and performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to compare patient and bat virus sequences. Storage, administration, and integrity of PEP biologics administered to the patient were assessed; samples from leftover rabies immunoglobulin were evaluated for potency. We conducted risk assessments for persons potentially exposed to the bat and for close patient contacts.

Res

SUBMITTER: Holzbauer SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11097918 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature