What is the pathophysiology of rabies?

Answer 1

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, a neurotropic virus that primarily affects the central nervous system. After transmission through a bite or scratch, the virus travels along peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and brain, often evading the immune system due to its low immunogenicity. Once in the central nervous system, it replicates rapidly, leading to encephalitis and ultimately causing symptoms such as confusion, agitation, hydrophobia, and paralysis. The disease progresses rapidly, and without timely intervention, it is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear.