Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
S Dubey, RV Singh, B Gupta, DK Gupta, A Nayak, A Rai, R Vandre, R Patel, V Gupta and KK Jadav

Abstract:
Rabies is endemic in India and kills 20000-30000 people every year. Vaccination in dogs and humans is one of the major tool to prevent and control the occurrence of rabies in India and abroad. The vaccine effectiveness and efficacy need to be monitored regularly so that its potential as lifesaving can be evaluated. Therefore, the present study was carried out to observe the antibody titre in vaccinated dogs and non-vaccinated dogs. Methods: A total of 146 serum samples of dogs were collected from Jabalpur city (Veterinary College (n=82) and private pet owners (n=64) and the collected samples was divided into three categories of dogs-category I (before booster), category II (after booster) and category III (annual booster vaccination). The samples were subjected to qualitative and quantitative indirect ELISA test. Results: The qualitative I-ELISA showed that out of 146 samples, only 14.38% including male-15.30% and females-12.5%, Veterinary college -8.54% and private places -21.87% were seropositive. The quantitative assay showed 23.80% (5/21) samples titre above 0.5 IU among seropositive dogs. All the non-descript dogs had antibody titre below 0.5IU. Conclusions: The study revealed poor protective antibody titre in dogs. The possible reasons for lower level of protective antibody titre post vaccination against rabies are cold chain failure during transport of vaccines, parasitic infestation, and poor nutrition etc. There is need of regular monitoring of anti-rabies antibodies to protect animals and humans.