Fig 1.
Saturation curve of research needs.
Saturation was reached after 24 interviews.
Table 1.
Respondent’s rabies related work experience.
Fig 2.
Research needs prioritized for need for improvement.
A total of 125 KOLs assessed the research needs of their expertise: animal host (n = 96); human host (n = 88); agent (n = 83); environment (n = 78). Priority groups correspond to scores of 41–60 (moderate), 61–80 (high) and 81–100 (very high). Full descriptions of research priorities and scores can be found in S1 Table. CNS = central nervous system; RABV = rabies virus; R&D = research and development; DALYs = disability adjusted life years; PEP = post-exposure prophylaxes; NTD = neglected tropical disease.
Fig 3.
Research needs with high need for improvement are also considered highly important for rabies control.
*Significant (p<0.05) difference between the priority group for improvement and importance. Full descriptions of research priorities, corresponding to the numbered value labels, can be found in S1 Table.
Table 2.
Although there is a high standard deviation, tackling rabies in the animal host is considered most important for rabies control. LMIC = low- and middle income countries; HIC = high income countries.