NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

In what sequence does the rabies virus travel in the body after infection?

1. Tissue, Muscle, Nervous System, Brain

2. Nervous System, Muscle, Bloodstream, Brain

3. Bloodstream, Tissue, Muscle, Nervous System

4. Muscle, Nervous System, Tissue, Organs

The correct answer is: Tissue, Muscle, Nervous System, Brain

The rabies virus is known for its specific transmission pathway within the body following infection. After an animal or human is bitten by an infected host, the virus initially infiltrates the tissue surrounding the bite wound. From there, it primarily replicates in the muscle cells near the entry point, which is critical because the muscle provides an environment that allows the virus to evade the immune system temporarily. Following its replication in muscle tissue, the rabies virus then uses the nervous system as its primary means of spreading throughout the host. The virus travels along peripheral nerves and ultimately makes its way to the central nervous system (CNS), where it can affect vital functions and induce severe symptoms. Once it reaches the brain, the virus can disseminate to other parts of the body, including the salivary glands and organs, but this occurs after its established presence in the nervous system. This sequence of traveling through tissue, then muscle, followed by the nervous system and ending in the brain highlights the virus's unique preference for neural pathways, which is a defining characteristic of rabies. Understanding this pathway is crucial for experts in animal control and public health to identify rabies exposure and enact appropriate preventative measures.