Karachi: In a major public health concern, researchers have detected the rabies virus directly from dog-inflicted wounds in Karachi, with Landhi and Korangi emerging as high-risk districts, underscoring the urgent need for surveillance, vaccination and timely treatment.
The research introduces a novel diagnostic method that detects rabies virus RNA directly from dog-inflicted wounds, offering a major breakthrough in disease surveillance and early detection.
Experts say the findings provide concrete scientific evidence of widespread virus circulation in Karachi’s canine population and highlight the urgent need for coordinated national action.
Renowned infectious disease expert Dr. Naseem Salahuddin, a global authority on dog-bite treatment and rabies prevention, described the development as a milestone in rabies diagnostics.
“This is a breakthrough in the diagnosis of rabies virus by swabbing dog-inflicted wounds. It has identified a large burden of circulating rabies virus in Korangi and Landhi districts and can spread to other areas and to animals, especially farm animals,” she said. “This extremely useful finding should serve as a warning.”
She also dismissed misconceptions regarding the link between dog bites and rabies. “Dog bites and rabies are directly linked, and denying this reality undermines efforts to prevent a fatal but entirely avoidable disease,” she warned, urging policymakers and advocacy groups to rely on scientific evidence.
The findings emerged from a study conducted at the Rabies Prevention Center of Indus Hospital in Karachi, where scientists successfully detected rabies virus RNA from wound swabs of dog-bite victims.
The simple and minimally invasive technique provides a practical tool for monitoring rabies circulation, particularly in resource-limited settings where traditional surveillance remains inadequate.
Researchers analysed wound swabs from 100 dog-bite patients, marking the first time rabies virus RNA has been detected directly from fresh bite wounds.
Aftab Gohar from Indus Hospital’s Rabies Prevention Center played a key role in the study by personally collecting wound swab samples from dog-bite victims.
“Known for his dedication and professionalism, he has remained at the forefront of rabies prevention efforts, contributing significantly to research and surveillance aimed at eliminating this fatal yet preventable disease in Pakistan”, Dr. Naseem Salahuddin said.
The study revealed a strikingly high level of virus circulation in Karachi’s canine population, particularly in high-risk districts such as Korangi and Landhi, underscoring the need for urgent preventive measures.
Rabies remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, with nearly a 100 percent fatality rate once symptoms appear. However, it is entirely preventable through immediate wound care and timely post-exposure prophylaxis.
According to federal health authorities, more than 600,000 people, mostly women and children are bitten by dogs in Pakistan every year, including in 2025.
Managing these cases requires approximately 2.4 million doses of anti-rabies vaccines and between 500,000 to 600,000 doses of rabies immunoglobulin annually, costing billions of rupees and placing a significant burden on the country’s healthcare system.
The study reinforced the importance of immediate wound washing with soap and water, which significantly reduces viral presence. However, experts emphasised that this step does not eliminate the need for life-saving post-exposure prophylaxis.
All patients included in the research received World Health Organization-recommended treatment, including intradermal vaccination and infiltration of rabies immunoglobulin, with 93 percent developing protective antibody levels within two weeks.
Health specialists warn that the detection of circulating rabies virus in Karachi poses a serious threat not only to humans but also to animals, particularly livestock, with potential economic and public health implications.
They stress the need for mass dog vaccination, effective dog population management and strengthened surveillance systems to prevent further transmission.
The findings align with the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. Experts believe the new diagnostic approach can significantly enhance early detection, support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen rabies control programmes in endemic countries like Pakistan.
Public health experts say the study should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to intensify rabies prevention efforts, expand access to life-saving vaccines and launch sustained awareness campaigns about prompt treatment following animal bites.
With Karachi witnessing an increasing number of dog-bite incidents and the rabies virus continuing to circulate silently, the breakthrough offers hope—while also sounding a stark warning about the urgent need for coordinated national action to prevent further loss of life.
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