Problems in human rabies post-exposure prophylaxis management

SummaryThis is a prospective study of problems encountered with rabies-exposed patients in an animal bite clinic in a rabies endemic region. Five hundred successive patients were analyzed. The study focused mainly on issues that are not well covered in current WHO and US-CDC rabies manuals. Those dealing with immunoglobulin administration, managing severe and unusual injuries, logistic and financial issues headed the list. Animal bite patients often present challenging problems, which are not or inadequately addressed in official publications. Experience and good clinical judgment are essential in preventing human rabies.