Rabies Virus, Rabies mnemonic - Microbiology mnemonics and tutorial

Rabies Virus [Rabbi]

Bullet-shaped rhabdovirus [bullet-shooting rabbi-do virus], enveloped [bullet is clothed]
Spread through saliva with bite of an infected animal [salivating rabid rabbi]
- Infection transmitted from cats and dogs that come in contact with rabid wild animals (e.g. raccoons)
- Bats are a natural reservoir for rabies, since infection is not lethal for bats [batman sign]
- Infected animals exhibit hydrophobia [umbrellas]
Virus particles ascend via peripheral nerves to CNS, causing inflammation and necrosis of brain stem [bullets crawling up the spinal cord & flame in brain stem]
Negri bodies (intracellular inclusions) are pathognomonic [black bodies on the pavement]
Death occurs two weeks after infection [straight road to 2-foot shallow grave]
Patient usually fall into coma before death [comma-separated RIP]
Treatment consists of injection of antibodies ["by"passive immunity bypasses the grave]
The classical presentation of the disease incudes agitation, tremors and aggressive behavior - "furious rabies" occurs in 80% of patients
Another variant, "flaccid rabies" presents in 20% of patients and includes somnolence and paralysis [Sale-20% bitten off from flaccid rabbi garment]