RABIES AND ORGAN TRANSPLANT.

An investigation into the source of a fatal case of rabies virus exposure indicates that the individual received the virus through a kidney transplant 18 months earlier. 

 This findings suggests that rabies transmitted by this route may have a longer incubation period, and that although solid organ transplant transmission of infectious encephalitis is rare, further education to increase awareness is needed. The rabies virus causes a fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can be transmitted through tissue or organ transplantation. 

The researchers found that in retrospect, the kidney donor's symptoms prior to death were consistent with rabies (the presumed diagnosis at the time of death was ciguatera poisoning [a foodborne illness]). 

 The Subsequent interviews with family members revealed that the donor had significant wildlife exposure, and had sustained at least 2 raccoon bites, for which he did not seek medical care. Rabies virus antigen was detected in archived autopsy brain tissue collected from the donor. 

The rabies viruses infecting the donor and the deceased kidney recipient were consistent with the raccoon rabies virus variant and were more than 99.9 percent identical across the entire N gene, thus confirming organ transplantation as the route of transmission. The 3 other organ recipients did not have signs or symptoms consistent with rabies or encephalitis.

 They have remained asymptomatic, with rabies virus neutralizing antibodies detected in their serum after completion of post-exposure prophylaxis. This transmission event provides an opportunity for enhancing rabies awareness and recognition and highlights the need for a modified approach to organ donor screening and recipient monitoring for infectious encephalitis. This investigation also underscores the importance of collaboration between clinicians, epidemiologists, and laboratory scientists . (culled from materials from American medical association.)

WHY HORSES BITE.

Possible reasons horses bite;Fear-induced,Pain-induced, irritation, dominance, playful bite, protection,self mutilation and as an act of sex.All of these act of biting can be described both in terms of horse-horse aggression and horse-human aggression. If we can understand why a horse is biting we’re better equipped to stop the behavior. The most sustained horse-on-horse aggression that include a lot of biting are the inter-male interactions.Probably the worst nippers and biters toward people are stallions. This might be the testosterone talking, but it also might be complicated by other factors. We sometimes see redirected aggression when a stallion can't get to another stallion or to a mare. Read more http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35863/why-does-a-horse-bite?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=health-news&utm_campaign=06-02-2015

RABIES AND THE MONKEY FACTOR.!!!

 

 Monkeys are playful creatures ,that many people keep as pets.The monkeys have found homes in several zoos, animal farms,circus and road shows,adding zest to the fun train. 

Monkeys have been domesticated over a period of years and have gradually made their way into man's life because of their fun gestures and intelligent disposition. Monkeys as sweet as they look and behave; they poise certain health risks to man. 

Monkeys have been linked to certain viruses and bacteria that are of importance to man among st them are ; rabies virus, herpes virus, Ebola virus ,monkeys are also know to be affected by other diseases in man such as tuberculosis, and amoebiasis. 

 Monkeys transfer pathogens to man through bites, salivary secretions,nasal secretions and fecal contamination. Monkeys generally have unsanitary habits,thus whatever pathogen they harbor in blood, feces and intestines they usually pass it to members of the family,thus monkeys are to be handled with care. Monkeys are know to have mood swings, playing at a time and the next moment scratching and biting ,this is the reason its not advisable to handle or give strange monkeys food. 

Monkeys that are gotten from the wild and domesticated pose the highest threat,hence precautions must be taken when importing /buying monkeys. 

 When bitten or scratched by a monkey the following steps must be followed; 1) wash the area with soap and water. 

2) wash under running water for 10-15 minutes. 

3) Apply disinfectant to site.

 4)seek medical attention immediately; rabies post exposure treatment and tetanus treatment are essential.

 Stay safe!!! avoid stray monkeys and dont pet or cuddle any monkey. 

when buying a monkey, verify source and ensure its vaccinated against rabies.