Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Validation and operational application of a rapid method for rabies antigen detection.
- Journal:
- U.S. Army Medical Department journal
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Saturday, Greg A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Laboratory Europe · Germany
Plain-English summary
A new rapid test for detecting rabies virus in animal brain samples was introduced by the Veterinary Laboratory Europe to military veterinary units in Iraq and Afghanistan. This test, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helps identify rabies in areas where there are no existing diagnostic tools and limited historical data on the disease. During the project, military personnel were trained to use the test, and local veterinarians were educated about rabies and sample collection. The results from the rapid test matched perfectly with the traditional testing methods used in laboratories, showing that it is an effective tool for rabies detection.
Abstract
The Veterinary Laboratory Europe (VLE) deployed a direct, rapid immunohistochemical test (DRIT), developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to the US military veterinary units in Iraq and Afghanistan. The test detects rabies virus antigen in fresh and frozen brainstem samples from various animal species. The goal was to conduct surveillance in 2 countries without current rabies diagnostic capabilities and little historical data on rabies prevalence. During the deployment the DRIT was evaluated, and Veterinary Corps officers and technicians were trained to operate the test. Civilian veterinarians from both Iraq and Afghanistan were organized for a lecture forum on rabies, a sample collection lab, and familiarization with the DRIT. Samples collected in Iraq and Afghanistan were tested in the field with the DRIT, and compared to the traditional laboratory standard utilizing direct fluorescent antibody testing at VLE and the CDC with 100% agreement.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20088045/