Rabies causes up to sixty thousand deaths every year, mainly in Africa and Asia. Some 60% of all deaths occur in children under 15 years of age. The cost of this in terms of global economic output is USD124 billion annually and disproportionately hits poorer parts of the world hardest, according to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC).

Europe
In Europe, twelve cases were reported between 2006 and 2011 in seven EU countries; six of which were imported. Sources of infection included exposure to rabid dogs, cats or bats. In unvaccinated humans, rabies is almost always fatal once neurological symptoms appear.

Virus
Several studies have been conducted over the past decades attempting to unravel the pathogenesis of this deadly disease, but with limited success. New knowledge on the life cycle of the virus and interaction of the virus with infected patients is needed to develop effective therapies.

Brain
Professor Ab Osterhaus is one of the most successful virologists in the world and Scientific Coordinator of ASKLEPIOS. This research project aims to unravel the mechanisms of rabies virus infection. Prof. Osterhaus: “Rabies is the deadliest viral disease we know. It is most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. After infection, the virus travels to the brain, where it causes inflammation.”

Therapy
On the project page of this website Prof. Osterhaus explains: “ASKLEPIOS aims to identify molecules that first of all inhibit rabies virus replication; secondly, suppress inflammation after infection, and thirdly, can help the new medicines to reach the patient’s brain. Ultimately, we want to develop a novel therapy.”