Rabies Virology

The rabies virus is the type species of the ''Lyssavirus'' genus, which encompasses other similar viruses. Lyssaviruses have helical symmetry, with a length of about 180 nm and a cross-sectional diameter of about 75 nm. These viruses are enveloped and have a single stranded RNA genome with negative-sense. The genetic information is packaged as a ribonucleoprotein complex in which RNA is tightly bound by the viral nucleoprotein. The RNA genome of the virus encodes five genes whose order is highly conserved. These genes are nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G) and the viral RNA polymerase (L).

From the point of entry, the virus travels quickly along the neural pathways into the central nervous system (CNS), and then further into other organs. The salivary glands receive high concentrations of the virus thus allowing further transmission.

Further Reading

• What is Rabies?
• Rabies Symptoms
• Rabies Diagnosis
• Rabies Prevention
• Rabies Treatments
• Rabies Epidemiology
• Rabies History
• Rabies Rabies In Animals

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