Transmission of rabies in a general perspective occurs from the bite of infected mammals. This includes Dogs, cat, Rabbit and rarely skunks and mongooses. Any animal whose internal temperature changes with respect to the ambient environment's temperature is known as a poikilotherm. Rabies affects all warm blooded animals equally with their effect differing between various species.

Every virus has its own mode of action and Rhabdovirus is not an exception. In general terms viral cycle contains 3 stages, namely;

1. Entry into the host and attachment to cell surface

2. Integration of the viral genome with the host genome.

3. Production of viral proteins.

The classification may also be based on the type of changes the virus brings out with the advancement of each phase. Accordingly rabies virus cycle is classified into 3 major stages:

1. Prodromal stage

2. Excitative stage

3. Paralytic stage

1. Prodromal stage:

The term "prodrome'' refers to the body conditions which indicates a possible infection that may or may not be harmful to the body. This stage is common to all viral infections. This is the stage where the body tries to detect and neutralize the invading virus via blood lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages. An elevated level of serotonin and adrenaline is secreted. Body temperature rises above normal. This stage is of 1 to 3 days in length and is characterized by a series of behavioral changes.

2. Excitative stage:

This is the stage wherein the viral genome integrates with the host genome and starts producing viral proteins. The stage lasts from 4 to 8 days. Person affected often develop unique behavioral changes for instance hydrophobia (fear of water). Partial muscular spasms associated with severe stiffness of joints are also the symptoms of this stage. The person becomes uncontrollable and patients at this stage are even tied to their beds. In the molecular level the virus starts affecting the central nervous system causing encephalitis. Inflammation of spinal cord (myelitis) during this stage cuts brain-limb coordination.

Contrary to these conventional findings recent research have shown that affected mammals may lose their sensory capabilities like hearing and smell perception and can succumb to people as if they are trained. This has been proved true in cases involving humans also.

3. Paralytic stage:

This stage involves severe damage to motor neurons. The viral proteins break the synaptic clefts which lead to decrease in rate of impulse transfer. This results in mutilation of coordination. In certain advanced cases the neuromuscular junction is completely damaged which results in loss of brain command in assisting muscle movement. Due to increased concentration of viral particles in CSF the brain loses its equilibrium. Death is usually caused by brain hemorrhage and arrest in respiration.

During the prodromal stage the virus is partially detectable by sensitive assays. Antibiotics given at this stage may confer cell-mediated immunity and reduces the magnitude of damage to the central nervous system. Beyond this stage the disease has 99% mortality rate. Medicines given beyond prodromal stage are in most cases ineffective.