EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY ON HUMAN RABIS VACCINE COVERAGE, KNOWLEDGE ABOUT RABIS AND RISK FACTORS FOR ACQUISITION OF RABIS VIRUS (LYSSAVIRUS, RHABDOVIRIDAE) AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: VETERINARIANS, BIOLOGISTS AND ZOOTECHNISTS

Abstract

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that can affect several hosts. The pathology affects the central nervous system with about 100% lethality. Transmission occurs through bites, licks of mucous membranes or contact with secretions of the infected. The rabies vaccines of dogs and cats  and castration are measures to control the disease. Rabies has no cure, and vaccination is the only form of prevention. The pre-exposure prophylaxis consists in preventive immunization, being highly recommended for professionals at higher risk of exposure. According to the  Ministry of Health, in Brazil, from 2010 to 2023, 47 cases of human rabies were reported. In  urban areas in Brazil, canines and felines are potential sources of infection, highlighting the importance of keeping up to date the animal rabies vaccination. In this context, the present study aims to estimate the human vaccination coverage among veterinarians, biologists and zootechnicians, professional category most susceptible to the disease, assess their knowledge about the pathology and analyze some risk factors for acquiring the infection during their  occupational activities. To this end, an online questionnaire was applied, obtaining the participation of 206 professionals. The results showed that 23.3% did not receive the anti-rabies vaccination scheme. Among those vaccinated, 62.7% had been vaccinated more than three years ago, and 62.1% had not monitored protective antibody titers. We identified some gaps in knowledge about the disease transmission mechanism and some situations of risk of exposure to the disease, such as accident with an animal with suspected rabies (22.8%) or handling an animal, alive or dead, with neurological symptoms (21.8%). The research highlights the need to provide awareness to professionals about the importance of compliance with vaccination protocols and immunization monitoring that provide the professional's safety by avoiding rabies infections, as well as to broaden the discussion about the disease.