Author(s): Rajeshwar Khandare, Sonal Saxena, Sameer Shrivastava, Pradeep Kumar, Deepanker Bisht, Vinay Kumar, Owais Khan and Bhavna Kachve

Abstract: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease caused by the Lyssavirus, primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The virus predominantly affects mammals, with domestic dogs being the primary vector responsible for transmitting the virus to humans. Once symptomatic, rabies manifests in two clinical forms: furious and paralytic, both culminating in severe neurological impairment and eventual fatality. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial, with techniques such as direct fluorescent antibody testing and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction playing pivotal roles. Despite the effectiveness of existing rabies vaccines, the requirement for multiple doses and the challenges associated with tracking vaccinated animals persist due to inadequate surveillance systems. Addressing this issue calls for the exploration of alternatives. In our study, we have focused on DNA vaccines targeting rabies. The glycoprotein gene was cloned into the PVAX1 vector and verified through molecular techniques such as restriction enzyme digestion and PCR. Successful expression of the glycoprotein in BHK-21 cells was confirmed using fluorescent microscopy. This research has the potential to contribute to the advancement of DNA vaccines and immunofluorescent assays for rabies.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i2Se.585