Rabies is caused due to?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the Rabies virus, a type of Lyssavirus.
The virus is transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals.
The most common mode of transmission is a deep bite or scratch from a rabid animal, with dogs being the source of over 99% of human cases worldwide.
The virus enters the body via the wound and travels through the nerves to the brain, causing a fatal encephalomyelitis if not treated promptly.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Protein deficiency is a nutritional issue that leads to conditions like kwashiorkor and marasmus. It is not related to infectious diseases like rabies.
Option C: Mosquito bites are vectors for various arboviral and parasitic diseases, but not rabies. Rabies is transmitted by mammals.
Option D: Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage) is a symptom or a result of trauma or certain diseases. It is not a cause or mode of transmission for rabies.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mode of transmission for Rabies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Rabies is a medical emergency because once clinical symptoms appear, it is almost 100% fatal. There is no effective treatment for clinical rabies.
A nurse's primary role following an animal bite is to ensure immediate and thorough wound cleaning and facilitate prompt administration of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Patient education is critical. Nurses must teach the importance of seeking immediate medical care after any animal bite, regardless of how minor it seems, and completing the full course of vaccination.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Rabies'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the etiology and transmission of rabies.
Recall that rabies is a well-known zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans.
Evaluate the options provided. 'Dog bite' is a direct and common method of animal-to-human transmission.
Eliminate the other options: 'Protein deficiency' is nutritional, 'Mosquito bite' transmits different diseases, and 'Excessive bleeding' is a symptom, not a cause of infection.
Confirm that 'Dog bite' is the most accurate and common cause of rabies among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Mode of transmission for Rabies
Stem keywords: Rabies, caused due to
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QT00OMbUR1faXZ9yoSghEi

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 2029-2031

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 138-140

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1691-1693

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