Although the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) remains the gold standard rabies diagnostic technique, an alternative test, the direct rapid immunohistochemical test (dRIT), has been developed. Only an ordinary light microscope is required to examine brain smears stained by dRIT making it more suitable for laboratories with limited diagnostic infrastructure (e.g at the regional level). National rabies laboratories should however be equipped to perform the FAT for confirmation of dRIT results obtained at regional laboratories. Click here for more detailed information on equipment, reagents and protocols for rabies diagnosis using the dRIT and FAT. Click here to know about laboratories available for rabies diagnosis.
- Photo courtesy of Serengeti Carnivore Disease Project
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