My 10 Years Old Got Scratch On His Face 2

Posted on Sat, 1 Feb 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 1 Feb 2020 Answered on

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Question : My 10 Years old got scratch on his face 2 months back from a cat who is our pet but often goes outside the house and come back. The cat is unvaccinated for rabies. Out of fear we started vaccinating him for rabies , Aftet 0, 3 and 7 we forgot the 4th and 5th dose or vaccine. The cat is all right after 2 months. I was about to get the cat vaccinated now but before I could do that the cat again scartched my Kids face when he was playing with him. I am a bit skeptical about side effects of vaccines but offcourse fear of rabies is also there. My question is since he at least got 3 Shots (not complete 5) just 2 months back, would the immunity still be there . Also can I treat that at PEP even though it was given on Days 0, 3 and 7 (8th day to be precise as we were late for 3rd vaccine). Are 3 shots of Anti Rabies Vaccine not enough to provide 2 months of immunity

Answered by Dr. Dr. (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Would be better to do repeat vaccination...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have gone through your query and here is my advice.

Usually immunity can be confirmed with anti Rabies antibodies titre test.

Rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) is used to measure the antibodies titre.

Instead of that, As rabies is a incurable disease, so as per my knowledge I would suggest you to repeat vaccination on day 0,3,7,14,28 as per schedule after physician consultation.

Clean the scratch site with soap and water. No need to do dressing.

Along with that kindly do cat vaccination. Maintain proper hygiene.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. (8 hours later)

Do you know any lab in XXXXXXX where this test for detecting antibodies to rabies is performed. I have check with gangaram hospital and and also called. lal path lab but no luck

Answered by Dr. Dr. (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sorry, don't have any details....

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

Usually this test is not done so commonly. I am not aware of any laboratory in XXXXXXX that conducts rabies antibody titre. Usually the test sample is sent to higher laboratory centre where the test is performed like Pasteur Institute of XXXXXXX You may need your treating doctor's note and other information before ordering the test.

Therefore in my opinion, instead of going for antibodies titre test which may be cumbersome, I would suggest you to repeat vaccination as suggested earlier.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad