Postmortem diagnosis of human rabies viral encephalitis: Insights into pathogenesis through the vigilant lens of the forensic pathologist!

Abstract

Rabies, a lethal zoonotic viral disease, continues to pose a significant public health threat worldwide. Caused by lyssaviruses, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected animals, rabies manifests as an acute encephalitis with a nearly universal fatality rate once clinical symptoms appear. The hallmark of rabies infection is its unique neurotropism, targeting the central nervous system and inducing characteristic neurological signs and symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt administration of post-exposure prophylaxis remain crucial for preventing disease progression and mitigating the risk of transmission. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and immunoglobulins, rabies remains endemic in many regions, particularly in low-resource settings where access to healthcare services is limited. This case provides a comprehensive overview of rabies epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic modalities, and current prevention and control strategies. Additionally, it highlights the ongoing challenges in rabies elimination and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to combat this deadly disease.