Genetic characteristics of field and attenuated rabies viruses ... - Evira

1991). It was suggested that the virus is propagated from the entry point to the CNS due
to the interaction between the P protein of the rabies virus and the dynein light chain LC8
(Poisson et al., 2001).
A bite on the head or neck will usually cause symptoms more quickly than a bite
on the hind leg. However, when the virus has entered the nerve endings, it advances
relentlessly up the nerve bodies until it reaches the spinal cord and eventually the brain.
From the brain, the virus can spread to other tissues - the salivary glands, respiratory
system, and the digestive tract (Krebs et al., 1995).
Figure 3. Spread of the rabies virus from the bite site to the CNS (by Bacon &
Macdonald, 1980).
1.3.2. Clinical signs
The clinical signs of rabies are known since the ancient times (Blancou, 1994).
The duration from bite to the appearance of clinical signs varies significantly, ranging
from a few days to a several months. The clinical signs may appear only after the
involvement of numerous neurons, and death may occur as a result from the involvement
of vital nerve centers (Schneider, 1975). There are three phases described in the clinical
course of rabies:
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