Frontiers in public health
Rabies immunoglobulin utilization and delayed presentation following category III rabies exposure: a 10-year retrospective study in Hangzhou, China
By Wang J, Cai W, Chen J and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Rabies is an almost invariably fatal, vaccine-preventable zoonosis. Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is recommended for Category III exposures, yet real-world RIG utilization remains poorly characterized. This study examined temporal trends and factors associated with RIG utilization and delayed presentation among Category III exposure patients in China.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted using clinical records of Category III exposure patients presenting to a high-volume rabies prevention clinic in Hangzhou, China, from 2015 to 2024. Calendar year 2018 was treated as a temporal reference year for descriptive comparison. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with RIG non-administration and delayed presentation (>24 h post-exposure).