Background: Published data regarding long-lasting immunological rabies memory after pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are scarce. We tested the hypothesis that rabies booster immunization elicits rapid anamnestic responses.
Methods: For this observational study, we included participants who had received PrEP 10-24 years before inclusion. We measured rabies antibody titers before, and on days 3, 7, and 14 after a single intramuscular booster.
Results: All 28 participants responded adequately regardless of route of administration or 2-dose vs 3-dose PrEP regimen.
Conclusion: Rabies immunological memory is reactivated within 7 days after a single intramuscular booster immunization, even when administered 10-24 years after PrEP.
Keywords: boostability; booster immunization; immunization; long-term immunogenicity data; post-exposure prophylaxis; rabies.
© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.