Methods of detecting rabies and their importance: a comparative analysis of antibody and antigen detection

Rabies, a serious infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, poses a great threat to human and animal life. Since the virus mainly attacks the nervous system, once the disease develops, the mortality rate is extremely high. Therefore, accurate and rapid detection of rabies virus is crucial for preventing and controlling the spread of the disease. In this article, we will introduce the methods of detecting rabies in detail, and compare and analyze the difference between antibody detection and antigen detection.

Methods of detecting rabies

Routine blood and urine tests: After rabies patients undergo routine blood and urine tests, an increase in the total number of leukocytes is usually found, and leukocytes are also found in routine urine tests. These tests do not directly detect the rabies virus, but they can provide doctors with an initial indication of the patient’s condition.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Test: A cerebrospinal fluid test is one of the most important ways to diagnose rabies. In the cerebrospinal fluid, doctors can observe an increased number of white blood cells, which are predominantly lymphocytes. Also, the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid increases slightly. The results of the cerebrospinal fluid test help the doctor determine whether the patient is infected with the rabies virus.

Nucleic acid assay: Nucleic acid assay is an important method of rabies virus testing. Using techniques such as PCR, doctors can measure rabies virus nucleic acids in the patient’s body RNA, oral saliva, and skin tissues such as cerebrospinal fluid. Nucleic acid assays have a high positive rate and are important in confirming a diagnosis of rabies.

Virus isolation: Virus isolation is a commonly used rabies virus test. Doctors can isolate the rabies virus from a patient’s saliva or cerebrospinal fluid to confirm whether the patient is infected with the virus. Virus isolation also has a higher positive rate, but the procedure is more complicated.

Antigen-antibody test: The antigen test detects rabies virus antigen in skin or brain biopsy samples of the patient through techniques such as immunofluorescence. Antibody testing detects rabies virus antibodies in the patient’s serum. Both tests help doctors determine whether a patient is infected with rabies virus.

Differences between antibody and antigen tests

The object of detection is different: the object of antibody detection is the antibody in the patient’s body, i.e. the immune cells produced by the body after being stimulated by the antigen. The object of antigen detection is the pathogen itself, i.e. rabies virus.

The testing methods are different: Antibody testing usually requires a blood test, which is performed by a professional in a medical facility. Antibody testing can be performed in a laboratory or by the patient who purchases antigen reagents for self-testing.

Accuracy: Antibody testing is more accurate because it is performed in a specialized medical facility with standardized procedures.

On the other hand, the accuracy of antigen test is relatively lower because it may be operated by patients themselves and the operation process may not be standardized.

Different testing purposes: Antibody testing is mainly used to check whether the patient has antibodies against rabies virus, so as to determine whether the patient has been infected with the virus or whether he/she has effective immunity after vaccination. On the other hand, antigen test is mainly used to check whether the rabies virus is present in the patient’s body, so as to confirm whether the patient is infected with the virus.

In conclusion, there are many different ways to test for rabies, and your doctor can choose the appropriate test based on your patient’s specific situation. At the same time, knowing the difference between antibody and antigen testing helps us to better understand the characteristics and scope of application of these two testing methods. In the process of rabies prevention and control, accurate and rapid detection of rabies virus is of great significance in safeguarding human and animal lives.

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