The evaluation of anti-rabies antibody titer in vaccinated individuals in Shahrekord district

Rabies is a viral disease which occurs commonly through the bite of a rabid animal. Anti rabies vaccination is an important prophylaxis after having contact with the disease agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-rabies anti-body titer among individuals who have had received 3-5 times anti-rabies vaccine.

In this descriptive-analytical study, according to the data collected from Shahrekord health centers, the blood serums of 63 individual's encountered animal bites within 4 years were collected and their anti-rabies antibody titer was tested using Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT). The anti-rabies titer more than 0.5 ul/ml was considered as protected against rabies. Data were analyzed using Spearman and the dependant t-test.

In this study, 30 individuals were vaccinated 3 times and other 33 individuals were vaccinated 5 times. In all cases, 5 individuals received rabies vaccine together with Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG). The mean time since last vaccination was 23.3±9.6 months (range, 5-38 months) and the mean antibody titer against rabies was 2.5±1.9 IU/ml (range, 0.4-14 IU/ml) only 3 individuals (4.8%) had the anti rabies titer less than recommended titer (0.5 IU/ml). There was no significant relationship between the numbers of vaccinations, individual’s gender, mean time since last vaccination and the age of the individuals with antibody titer against rabies (P>0.05).

In the case of encountering to suspected human rabies, it is better to check their serum anti-rabies antibody titer. If their anti body value is below than the global standard, they should receive a secondary doze of anti-rabies vaccination.