Epidemiological characteristics of persons exposed to rabies in Tehran referred to Pasteur Institute of Iran during the years of 1993-1994 and 2008- 2009

Rate of bites from animals suspected with rabies is increasing in Iran and post-exposure prophylaxis imposes a massive burden on the health system. This study is performed to assess the trend and the current status of animal bites in Tehran. During the years of 1993-4 and 2008-9, data was collected from the records of persons bitten by animals suspected of rabies and referred to the Rabies Center in the Vaccination Department of the Pasteur Institute of Iran. Variables included age, sex, nationality, living area, animal species, site bitten, type of post-exposure prophylaxis including serum / vaccine and doses of vaccination. During the years of 1993-4 and 2008-9, 1973 and 2875 exposed cases respectively were referred to the department of prevention and treatment of rabies in the Pasteur Institute. Most exposed patients were male in both periods and the biting animals were dogs; in 1993-4 it was mostly stray-dogs while in 2008-9 pet dogs at home were responsible for most bites. Post exposure prophylaxis was administered by PVRV (Purified Vero cell rabies vaccine) in 3 to 5 doses, with or without HRIG (Human Rabies Immune Globulin) in 30% to 39.8% of the cases respectively. The rates of animal bites and full post-exposure prophylaxis have increased significantly. We suggest further researches about measures that would decrease the health burden incurred by animal bites.