Rabies Vaccinology and Immunology

摘要

Most of the presently available vaccines for parenteral immunization of animals and humans are excellent. Notwithstanding, research into designing even better vaccines is ongoing. Such research is partially driven by real and perceived deficiencies of present biologicals, but also by the ambitions and the inquisitiveness of the scientists involved. These new developments will not rapidly change the current situation, though the control of the disease in the principal reservoir species would indeed profit from the development of safer and more efficacious oral vaccines. However, there are also formidable obstacles to such developments. Concerns range from the sensible to the completely absurd. It is necessary that legislation addresses valid concerns and regulates the application of biotechnology. It is inevitable that legislation is occasionally a hindrance to further development. But the biggest deterrents are probably of an economical nature. Without relevant motivation commercial manufacturers that have spent considerable resources in the development and licensing of particular products are not likely to invest more capital or encourage competitive ventures. Of equal or even greater significance are the economic and cultural obstacles that prevent bite victims from receiving the proper post-exposure prophylaxis. A worldwide effort in public health education is needed.