Immunogenicity study of abbreviated rabies preexposure vaccination schedules.

Author(s): Khawplod P, Wilde H, Benjavongkulchai M, Sriaroon C, Chomchey P

Affiliation(s): Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute of the Thai Red Cross Society and the Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn University Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Publication date & source: 2007-05, J Travel Med., 14(3):173-6.

Publication type: Controlled Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate abbreviated preexposure rabies vaccination schedules that would reduce cost and shorten time required for completion. METHOD: A random prospective immunogenicity study, using a group of 96 volunteer preclinical veterinary students, primary school children, and hospital-based health care workers. They were divided into six groups and administered abbreviated schedules of preexposure tissue culture rabies vaccines. Neutralizing antibodies were determined on days 0 and 360, and following boosters on days 367 and 374. RESULTS: All subjects, including one group that received only 0.1 mL intradermally at two sites on one day, had detectable neutralizing antibody titers 1 year later and responded with an accelerated antibody response when given booster injections. CONCLUSION: It might be possible to develop a 1-week and even one clinic visit preexposure vaccine schedule that would provide at least 1 year of immune memory.