What is the Difference Between Rabies Vaccine and Immunoglobulin

The key difference between rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin is that rabies vaccine is an inactivated vaccine made by the attenuated strain of the rabies virus that induces antibodies against rabies virus in the human body, while rabies immunoglobulin is a medication that is made up of antibodies against the rabies virus in the human body.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. It spreads to people from the saliva of infected animals. Its causative agent is lyssaviruses, which include both rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus. The observable symptoms may include fever, tingling sensation at the site of exposure, violent movements, nausea, confusion, hydrophobia, and loss of consciousness. The most prominent treatment options for rabies are rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Rabies Vaccine  
3. What is Rabies Immunoglobulin
4. Similarities – Rabies Vaccine and Immunoglobulin
5. Rabies Vaccine vs Immunoglobulin in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Rabies Vaccine vs Immunoglobulin

What is Rabies Vaccine?

Rabies vaccine is a vaccine to prevent rabies disease. Rabies vaccine is an inactivated vaccine made by the attenuated strain of the rabies virus. This vaccine induces antibody production against the rabies virus in the human body. Currently, there are numerous rabies vaccines available to treat rabies. They are usually safe and effective. Rabies is commonly caused by dog bites or bat bites. These rabies vaccines can be used to prevent rabies before and after exposure to the rabies virus. Once after the exposure to the rabies virus, the vaccination is typically given along with human rabies immunoglobulin. Moreover, vaccinating dogs is very effective to prevent the spread of rabies among humans. In order to get long-lasting immunity, patients need a full course of treatment.

Approximately 35 to 45 % of people develop redness and pain at the injection site after vaccination. And 5 to 15 % of people may also experience fever, headaches, nausea, etc., after vaccination. The first rabies vaccine was introduced in 1885. There are a number of improved versions of the rabies vaccine available at the moment. Furthermore, it is also on the list of essential medicines of the World Health Organization.

What is Rabies Immunoglobulin?

Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is a medication made up of antibodies against the rabies virus in the human body. It is normally used after exposure to the rabies virus. Usually, Rabies immunoglobulin is followed by rabies vaccine as well. It is injected into the site of the wound or into a muscle. People who already have been vaccinated do not need to get rabies immunoglobulins. In the US, it is recommended to give one dose of human rabies immunoglobulins and four doses of rabies vaccine after exposure over a 14 period. The use of rabies immunoglobulin first started in 1891.

The common side effects of this medication are pain at the site of injection, fever, and headaches. Some may develop severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Moreover, rabies immunoglobulin is very expensive compared to the rabies vaccine. In the US, it costs US dollars 1000 per dose. It is produced from the blood plasma of people or horses who normally have a high level of antibodies in the blood.

Similarities Between Rabies Vaccine and Immunoglobulin

• Rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin are the most popular treatment options for rabies.
• Both are effective in reducing the viral particles of lyssaviruses.
• They are both used together after exposure to the rabies virus.
• Both can be injected into the body intramuscularly.

Difference Between Rabies Vaccine and Immunoglobulin

Rabies vaccine is an inactivated vaccine made by the attenuated strain of rabies virus that induces antibodies against rabies virus in the human body, while rabies immunoglobulin is a medication that is made up of antibodies against the rabies virus in the human body. So, this is the key difference between rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin. Furthermore, rabies vaccine can be given before or after exposure to the rabies virus, while rabies immunoglobulin is given only after exposure to the rabies virus.

The below infographic lists the differences between rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Rabies Vaccine vs Immunoglobulin

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that spreads to people from the saliva of infected animals. Rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin are the most popular treatment options for rabies. The rabies vaccine is an inactivated vaccine made by the attenuated strain of the rabies virus, while rabies immunoglobulin is a medication that is made up of antibodies against the rabies virus in the human body. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin.

Reference:

1. “Rabies Vaccine: Generic, Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions, Warnings.” RxList, 19 Aug. 2021.
2. “CDC – Medical CARE: HUMAN Rabies Immune Globulin – Rabies.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 Apr. 2011.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Rabisin” By Ringer – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “11.2ml of immunoglobulin later…” By Richard Giles (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr