At the end of last year, the "2023-2024 China Pet Industry White Paper" was officially released. The white paper mentioned that the number of pet dogs nationwide increased by 1.1% in 2023 compared with 2022. With the increase in the number of pet dogs, it is inevitable that they will be bitten by dogs. If they are injured, it is inevitable to go to the hospital to get rabies vaccination immediately. However, in some cases, it is still not enough to get vaccinated. Immunoglobulin is also needed. Why is this?
studies show that rabies virus first replicates locally when entering the wound and then passes to the central nervous system. Rabies vaccine can effectively stimulate the body to produce neutralizing antibodies for active immunity before the virus invades the nervous system, and protect the body for a long time. However, the time for effective antibodies to be produced after the first vaccination is 7-14 days. During this period before the effective antibodies are produced, the virus may invade the nervous system, which is called the "high-risk infection period."
Immunoglobulins are mixtures of antibodies extracted from the blood of humans or animals. They contain antibodies that have been formed that can directly neutralize viruses in the body. Immunoglobulin is used in emergencies, such as severe animal bites, which can provide immediate and short-term protection until the body produces the antibodies themselves. By injecting rabies immunoglobulin, people can immediately obtain timely and effective passive immune protection during the high-risk infection period. The combination of the two can better prevent the occurrence of rabies.
Overall, rabies vaccines provide long-term protection, while immunoglobulins provide short-term emergency protection. After being bitten by a dog, both drugs will be used at the same time according to the situation to ensure maximum safety.