Table 2 Challenges in the implementation of human rabies treatment
Number | Challenges |
|---|---|
1 | Historical fear and ignorance of a virulent pathogen |
2 | Extensive CNS involvement by time of diagnostic suspicion |
3 | Not an outpatient option |
4 | Unvaccinated healthcare workers |
5 | Need for a ‘dream team’ of intensive care specialists |
6 | Dedicated intensive care facility |
7 | No licensed antiviral drugs, requiring heroic use |
8 | Uncertain pathobiological targets and mechanisms |
9 | Delivery of biologics across the BBB |
10 | Clinical and diagnostic difficulties in monitoring patient status |
11 | Costs of therapy |
12 | Extensive rehabilitation |
13 | Quality of life in the face of neurological deficits |
14 | Religious, cultural, and ethical concerns on ‘experimentation’ |
15 | High probability of failure |