Rabies

Microglial nodules are classic in viral encephalitis (e.g., rabies "Babes nodules," HIV encephalitis).

Entry via bite wound — infected saliva contacts mucosa or broken skin
Virus replicates locally at bite site in muscle cells
Binds nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and enters peripheral nerve endings
Travels via retrograde axonal transport to CNS — spinal cord then brain
Causes encephalitis — predominant involvement of limbic system , hippocampus, and brainstem

What our notes say

Microglial nodules are classic in viral encephalitis (e.g., rabies "Babes nodules," HIV encephalitis). (Neuropathology Essentials: Edema, Hydrocephalus, Brain Herniation)
At MKU, laboratory diagnosis appears in MCQs and is embedded in essay questions on specific viruses such as HIV, CMV, rabies, and HSV. (EXAM: Bacteriophages, Laboratory Diagnosis, HPV & Parvovirus B19)
A = rabies; C = HSV/CMV inclusions; D = pilocytic astrocytoma/Alexander disease; E = normal aging (not disease-specific). (Neuropathology Essentials: Edema, Hydrocephalus, Brain Herniation)
Infuse the wound with human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) (Mycology Revision: Fungal Infections, Histoplasmosis & Cryptococcosis)
Class V — (−)ssRNA: Orthomyxovirus (influenza), Paramyxovirus (measles, mumps, RSV), Rhabdovirus (rabies), Filovirus (Ebola, Marburg) (VIROLOGY SEM 3 CRASHED)
Capsid symmetry: icosahedral (most viruses — efficient packing), helical (rabies, influenza, paramyxoviruses), complex (poxvirus — brick-shaped, no clear symmetry) (VIROLOGY SEM 3 CRASHED)