Author/Authors :
Fayaz، Ahmad نويسنده WHO Collaborating Center for Reference& Research on Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Fayaz, Ahmad , Simani، Susan نويسنده WHO Collaborating Center for Reference& Research on Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Simani, Susan , Fallahian، Vida نويسنده , , Eslamifar، Ali نويسنده , , Hazrati، Mahboob نويسنده , , Fayaz، Mohammad Amin نويسنده student of veterinary faculty of Tehran University Fayaz, Mohammad Amin , Mashayekhi، Parisa نويسنده , , Farahtaj، Firoozeh نويسنده WHO Collaborating Center for Reference& Research on Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Farahtaj, Firoozeh , Howaizi، Nader نويسنده WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran , , Biglari، Peyvand نويسنده Influenza Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran ,
Abstract :
Introduction: Rabies is a fatal disease and has a threatening risk for the public health.
Immunosuppression is related to a wide variety of diseases. It is recommended that immunosuppressed patients receive
the full post-exposure vaccination, concerning that the immune response may be inadequate. The aim of this study is to
determine the level of rabies neutralizing antibody in immunosuppressed patients after receiving rabies post-exposure
prophylaxis. Consequently we assess the efficiency of antibody level in immunosuppressed patients admitted at Pasteur
Institute of Iran.
Patients and methods: The study was performed at Pasteur Institute of Iran. Data related to immunosuppressed
patients, doses of anti-rabies vaccine and serum, and level of rabies neutralizing antibody titer collected from the
patients admitted to the Prevention and Treatment of Rabies Center, Department of Vaccination at Pasteur Institute of
Iran, during 2008 to 2010. Subjects who received chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs, and chronic renal failure
were included in this study.
Results: Twenty two cases were evaluated. The Immunosuppressed state was related to cancer (in 8 cases), 4 cases of
hematologic disorders, 6 cases of autoimmune disease, and 4 cases of chronic renal failure or kidney transplant. Mean
age of 46.45± 21.5 year. All cases received HRIG serum (human rabies immunoglobulin) plus PVRV (Purified Vero
cell rabies vaccine). The level of rabies neutralizing antibody was checked two weeks after the last dose of vaccine.
Mean level of rabies neutralizing antibody was 12.07± 6.72 IU/ml. All cases achieved minimum protective level of
antibody which is ? 0.5 IU/ml. The amount of the antibody level had no relation to age or kind of immunosuppressive
disease of patients.
Conclusion: It is recommended that Rabies-exposed immunosuppressed patients receive rabies post exposure
prophylaxes. We have to be cautious about the cases who have not achieved the appropriate level of rabies antibody.
