APCRI Journal (E-ISSN: 0973-5038)

FROM THE EDITOR’ S DESK

2025-12-30T12:18:57+00:00

From the tremendous success of the official release of the APCRI Journal and the Newsletter at the APCRICON 2025, held at Chennai on 12th and 13th July, 2025, till today, I am grateful to all the Active Advisors, Experts
from various fields, Reviewers, the Executive Committee Members, Journal Committee Members, and Authors/ Contributors, as well as the ADR publication house, who stood the test of time, without whom, it would not have been possible to make it happen.

India’s Fight Against Dog-Mediated Rabies

2025-12-30T12:20:22+00:00

There has been a very significant improvement in the availability of proper Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis [PEP] in India in the last 25 years. Now World Health Organisation (WHO) approved Rabies PEP is available in almost all major hospitals in cities and towns in India. It is also available in many village PHCs. About 35 years ago, most animal bite victims had to go to Government approved Anti-Rabies Clinics [ARCs] and a few selected centres in cities, some far away from their place of residence, for proper Anti-Rabies treatment. Only Semple Vaccine [NTV] was used for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis [PEP] in the Government ARCs. Anti-Rabies Serum [ARS] was used at the ARC of CRI Kasauli, and similar places only. Most Government ARCs did not have ARS. Tissue Culture Vaccines [TCVs] were used mostly in private clinics. Rabies Immune Globulins [RIGs] usage was even more scanty. It was done by a few well-trained physicians in the country. The Department of Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) in Medical Colleges were not interested in running ARCs. Only two TCVs, Merieux Inactivated Rabies Vaccine [HDCV] and RABIPUR [PCEC] were available in very few places. Two brands of HRIGs, Berirab P and Imogam Rabies, were available in still fewer places. Most General Practitioners did not treat the animal bite cases and used to refer them to the Government ARCs, some very far away.

How to cite this article:
Goswami A. India’s Fight against Dog Mediated
Rabies. APCRI J. 2025; 27(2): 3-4.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202509

An Analysis of Seasonal Trends of Wild Animal Bite Cases Attending an Anti-Rabies Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Odisha

2025-12-30T12:18:57+00:00

Introduction: In areas with dense forest cover and frequent human–wildlife interactions, bites from wild animals are quite common.
Objective: To analyse the seasonal trend and bite load from wild animals.
Methods: A hospital record-based, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the anti-rabies clinic for the two-year period of April 2022 to March 2024.
Results: Out of 2676 cases of wild animal bites, monkey bites (96%) were the most frequent, followed by bites by jackals (3%) and wild boars (1%). The vast majority of bites were severe/category III (88%), and the rest were moderate/ category II (12%). The monkey bites exhibited significant surges during March 2023 and March 2024.
Conclusion: Understanding the bite load and seasonal trends of wild animal bites is essential for effective public health planning and resource allocation, particularly at anti-rabies clinics.

How to cite this article:
Nayak Y, Satapathy D M, Patnaik A, Sahoo A, Sahoo S, Panda A. An Analysis of Seasonal Trends of Wild Animal Bite Cases Attending an Anti-Rabies Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Odisha APCRI J. 2025; 27(2): 5-6.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202513

Completion of Rabies Vaccination Schedule by Animal Bite Victims at Urban Primary Health Centre, Abdullapur, Meerut District, Uttar Pradesh

2025-12-30T12:18:58+00:00

Introduction: Rabies is a fatal viral disease primarily transmitted through animal bites, thus posing a significant threat to both human and animal health. Vaccination is the most effective method for its prevention by reducing the risk of infection. Understanding the importance of rabies vaccination can enhance public awareness and improve control measures.
Objectives: To assess the proportion of animal bite victims who completed the schedule of rabies vaccination and the related factors.
Methodology: It was a record-based study. All the 132 animal bite patients’ data were taken for a 3-months period, i.e., from 1st July 2024 to 30th September 2024, at Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Abdullapur. Data entry and analysis were done by using MS-EXCEL and EPI-INFO software.
Results: Out of 132 animal bite victims, 73 (55%) had completed the 4-dose schedule of intradermal rabies vaccination given on days 0, 3, 7 & 28. Compliance was better amongst children, females, those bitten by cats or monkeys and those accompanied by someone else.
Conclusion: The compliance to rabies vaccination was 55% in terms of four-dose intradermal rabies vaccination in the case of children, females, those bitten by cats or monkeys and those accompanied by someone else. However, special targeted intervention strategies as well as awareness are needed amongst males, the elderly and young adults aged 16-30 years.

How to cite this article:
Choudhary A, Bano T, Kumar S, Singh G, S Gautam N. Completion of Rabies Vaccination Schedule by Animal Bite Victims at Urban Primary Health Centre, Abdullapur, Meerut District, Uttar Pradesh. APCRI J. 2025; 27(2): 7-10.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202514

Post-Exposure Adverse Outcomes of ERIG in Category 3 Animal Bite Cases – A Record-Based Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

2025-12-30T12:18:58+00:00

Background: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease, and Category 3 animal bites require immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including the administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). Equine rabies immunoglobulin (ERIG) is widely used in resource-limited settings due to its cost-effectiveness. However, concerns remain regarding its safety profile.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and clinical range of adverse effects that occur after ERIG administration in Category 3 animal bite cases.
Methods: Using medical records of patients who received ERIG as part of PEP for Category 3 animal bites at Anti-Rabies Vaccine OPD in a tertiary care centre of Central India from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, a record-based cross-sectional descriptive analysis was conducted. Applying Microsoft Excel software version 16.97 (25051114), information on demographics, bite characteristics, ERIG administration, and adverse events was extracted and evaluated.
Results: Among a total of 3492 cases, 3048 were Category 3 animal bite cases, out of which 124 (4.03%) developed a sensitivity reaction following the test dose of ERIG during the observation period. Of the 124 patients who developed sensitivity, 123 required only symptomatic management, while only 1 patient required admission.
Conclusion: ERIG is generally safe, with a low rate of mostly mild reactions. Its benefits in rabies prevention outweigh the risks. Careful monitoring ensures its safe use in public health settings.

How to cite this article:
Ambadkar S , Akre C, Narlawar U, Sharma S, Singh
A. Post-Exposure Adverse Outcomes of ERIG in
Category 3 Animal Bite Cases – A Record-Based
Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. APCRI J. 2025;
27(2): 11-15.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202512

Combating Rabies through the One Health Approach: An Integrated Strategy for Prevention and Control

2025-12-30T12:18:59+00:00

Rabies, a fatal yet vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease, continues to pose a significant public health burden, particularly in low- and middle income countries of sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Despite causing an estimated 59,000 deaths and over 3.7 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) annually, rabies remains neglected due to fragmented health systems, limited awareness, and inadequate access to vaccines. The One Health approach, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health,
offers a comprehensive framework for rabies prevention and control. This article explores the effectiveness of One Health interventions, including mass dog vaccination, integrated surveillance, community engagement, and cross-sectoral coordination. Case studies from Latin America, Bangladesh, and Rwanda demonstrate measurable successes in reducing rabies incidence through collaborative efforts. While challenges such as insufficient funding, manpower, and governance persist, scaling up One Health strategies—especially in endemic regions—remains essential for achieving the global goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

How to cite this article:
Katole A, Jha A, Giri P. Combating Rabies through
the One Health Approach: An Integrated Strategy
for Prevention and Control. APCRI J. 2025; 27(2):16-20.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202511