Rabies Encephalitis in Morocco Diagnostic and Prophylactic Challenges Illustrated by Two Clinical Cases

Abi R*, Nouibi C, Akhssas A, Najib M, Azzouzi H, Mchichou N, Bouassaba Z, Bouaiti E, Tagajdid MR, Elannaz H, Elhabti Y, Hassine S, Ouannass S, Reggad A, Elqatni M, Benaissi Y, Laraqui A, Touil N, Elouennass M, Ennibi K and Lahlou IA

Department of Virology, Center for Virology, Infectious and Tropical Diseases (CVMIT), Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital and Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco Department of Laboratory, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital and Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco Center for Virology, Infectious and Tropical Diseases

^*Correspondance to: Abi rachid 

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Abstract:

Rabies is a viral zoonosis that is almost always fatal, causing approximately 60,000 human deaths annually, primarily in Africa and Asia where canine rabies remains endemic. We report two clinical cases of fatal rabies encephalitis that occurred in Morocco. In both cases, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed on multiple sample types confirmed the antemortem diagnosis. These cases illustrate the technical progress made in rabies diagnosis in Morocco while highlighting the limitations of centralized testing. Targeted and effective measures are essential to reach the global strategic goal of "Zero by 30," which aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

Keywords:

Rabies; Encephalitis; Morocco; Diagnosis

Cite the Article:

Abi R, Nouibi C, Akhssas A, Najib M, Azzouzi H, Mchichou N, et al. Rabies Encephalitis in Morocco Diagnostic and Prophylactic Challenges Illustrated by Two Clinical Cases. Clin Case Rep Int. 2026; 10: 1794..