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Rabies antibody test
I've taken my rabies post exposure prophylaxis two weeks ago but there was a change in the route and brand of the vaccine for my 4th dose ,so I'm worried whether it developed adequate immune response in me or not ,so I want to do rabies antibody titre test for my peace of mind .Please tell me whether I have to do the test or not and where to do it ?
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As per the scientific information available you need not do the test for Rabies Antibody titre.
But worry and वहम have no answer.
So please go ahead and get the test done.
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You don’t really need to. Rabies antibodies are interchangeable. Change in routes also generally accepted. If you are healthy and not immunocompromised, you don’t really need to get the test done.
Schedule should be completed correctly. That’s it.
Next Steps
No need to stress. Eat well and stay healthy. You are alright.
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No need to do it
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed discussion
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As a fellow medical professional, I understand your concern, but you can be reassured that a change in brand or route for the final dose does not compromise the effectiveness of Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Key Clinical Points:
Interchangeability: WHO and National Guidelines (NRCP) state that rabies vaccine brands (using modern cell-culture vaccines like PCECV or PVRV) are interchangeable. If the 4th dose was administered correctly (even via a different route, e.g., switching from IM to ID), it still acts as a potent booster to the primary immune response initiated by the first three doses.
Immune Response: In immunocompetent individuals, a 4-dose PEP schedule is nearly 100% effective. The 4th dose ensures long-term memory, but protective titers are usually achieved well before the final shot.
Antibody Titre Test: Testing for RFFIT (Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test) is generally not recommended for routine PEP. It is typically reserved only for immunocompromised patients or those with continuous occupational exposure.
Next Steps:
Testing (If still desired for peace of mind): You would need a Rabies Virus Neutralizing Antibody (RVNA) test via the RFFIT method. In India, this is rarely available at private labs; it is primarily conducted at specialized centers like NIMHANS (Bangalore) or CRI (Kasauli).
Recommendation: Given that you are otherwise healthy, the test is clinically unnecessary. You have completed the protocol, and your immune system will have developed adequate protection.
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Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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No need
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No need to go for antibody test no worries
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Its not affect the effectiveness of arv vaccine.if you want to check your rabies antibody titre test ,then you can go absolutely for it.value must be >0.5 ,then you are safe.
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Switching brands or routes intramuscular to intradermal is common in India due to stock availability, it is both safe and effective.
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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All.brands have same compound. Provide immunity definitely.
Which test u want ??
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Dr. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
20 yrs exp
Mumbai
Please consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Need not get it done
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Dr. Rachna Pande
Internal Medicine
42 yrs exp
Bhopal
Nothing to worry.
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Dr. Vishal Anil Sanap
General Physician
3 yrs exp
Baramati
The change in route and brand of rabies vaccine is not recommended .
There is no problem noted till date by change in vaccine brand and route.
But if you are still in confusion you can do rabies antibody titre and if it's >0.5 IU/ml then it's normal .
Thank you .
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