Neurological complications of rabies vaccines

Indian Pediatr. 2003 Feb;40(2):150-4.

Abstract

The rabies vaccines containing neural elements are used in some countries including India. We report three cases that presented with various neurological complications following the use of these vaccines. The presenting manifestations included those of encephalitis, radiculitis and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. These neurological complications are highlighted so that scientific evidence compels the community to discontinue the use of the neural tissue rabies vaccines. Newer generation cell culture rabies vaccines should be preferred over the neural tissue rabies vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Ventricles / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Demyelinating Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Rabies Vaccines / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Rabies Vaccines