Chapter 12 - Laboratory diagnosis of rabies

Abstract

The role of rabies laboratories remains a cornerstone in understanding the true rabies burden globally and is critical to underpinning any global eradication strategies. The activities performed within these laboratories have changed considerably over the last few decades, expanding from histopathological examinations to state-of-the-art molecular assays, which are now approved by the OIE. This most recent development has empowered rabies diagnostic laboratories to report rabies cases from samples, such as antemortem and autolysed specimens, which otherwise could not be tested. Furthermore, the drive to demonstrate high Quality Assurance within and standardize tests across diagnostic laboratories has improved the reliability of test results and ensures molecular assays are employed correctly. This chapter covers all aspects of rabies diagnostics but focuses on molecular methods to reflect the current and future directions of rabies diagnostics.