For the first time, immunologists have obtained clear images of glycoproteins. The protein, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of rabies, will help create a more effective vaccine against the deadly disease, according to a study by scientists in the United States and France published in the journal Science Advances.
Rabies virus has a high fatality rate
The Russian news agency reported that the rabies virus is one of the most dangerous viruses in the world. The mortality rate during the onset of clinical symptoms is 100%. Every year, 59,000 people die from the disease, and about 40 percent of those infected are children.
The main way to stop the spread of infection is to vaccinate pets (mostly dogs), which release the virus 99% of the time. However, existing drugs have an important disadvantage: they do not provide life-long protection. Pets need to be vaccinated every one to three years.