First detection of rabies virus in skin sample from suspected rabies case in Hunan province

ObjectiveTo conduct rabies virus antigen detection for the tissue samples from a suspected rabies case and provide laboratory support to the clinical diagnosing. MethodsRabies virus antigen was detected for the tissue samples (skin, cornea and brain) from the suspected rabies case by direct fluorescent antibody method (DFA). ResultsThe samples of skin and brain were positive for rabies virus antigen, but the cornea sample was negative. ConclusionRabies virus was detected in hair follicles of skin from suspected rabies case for the first time, which filled in a gap in rabies laboratory diagnosing by skin sample in Hunan province and provide the evidence for the early laboratory diagnosing of suspected rabies case.