Laboratory diagnosis of a human rabies case and its significance

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of laboratory diagnosis of human rabies and its significance for prevention and control of rabies. Methods Laboratory diagnosis of a human rabies cases was conducted by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) to detect the saliva, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum samples collected from the patients. Results The predicted segments of the nucleoprotein (N), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)/Large protein (L) genes of rabies virus were amplified from the saliva samples with RT-PCR. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the rabies virus infection. Rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNP) was detected with RFFIT in the serum sample. One close contact received rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). The RVNP of the contact was positive. Conclusion A suspected human rabies case was laboratory confirmed. Laboratory test results has important significance for the treatment of rabies cases.