Atypical rabies encephalitis in a six-year-old boy: clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings

Abstract

A 6-year-old boy from India developed an atypical form of rabies following a stray dog bite and as a consequence of not receiving the standard World Health Organization recommended post-exposure prophylaxis for category III wounds. Serial rising rabies virus neutralizing antibody titres in serum and cerebrospinal fluid by rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test helped confirm the diagnosis of rabies. The child has survived for 4 months since the onset of illness, albeit with neurological sequelae.

Keywords: Rabies; Rabies atypical manifestations; Rabies diagnosis; Rabies survivor.