Rabies virus

Rabies Antibody Detection

Everything in one place: the disease, the vaccination, the FAVN antibody test and the import regulations, from a laboratory approved across the EU.

Approved laboratory · EU Decision 2004/233/EC Request forms

Rabies - The disease

Rabies.

Rabies is caused by a neurotropic virus belonging to the genus Lyssavirus of the family Rhabdoviridae. Warm-blooded animals including humans (zoonosis) are susceptible to infection which after onset of symptoms leads to death in almost every case.

Rabies is distributed worldwide with the exception of e.g. Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway. The import of dogs and cats to the above-named countries is strictly regulated.

Suspected rabies: no samples to us

Do not send samples from suspected rabies cases to us. Contact the responsible veterinary authority.

Incubation period
The incubation period of rabies lies between 2 weeks and 3 months; in humans it can be up to a few years in rare cases.
Transmission
The transmission of the virus occurs via bites or scratch wounds as well as through contact of open wounds and mucosal surfaces with virus containing fluids (e.g. saliva). After virus entry through peripheral nerves virus capsids are transported centripetal to the central nervous system.
Notifiable disease
If rabies is suspected an official veterinarian has to be informed immediately (notifiable disease)

“Furious rabies”

The clinical signs are variable. The so-called "furious rabies" is characterized by changes in the behaviour (restlessness, aggressivity, bite addiction). Complaints in gulping and an excessive salivation are common.

“Dumb rabies”

At an advanced stage of the disease paralysis with signs of so-called "dumb rabies" can be observed (paralysis of the facial, trunk and muscles of extremities). After outbreak of the disease death occurs within 2 to 10 days by respiratory paralysis.

Neutralizing antibodies are present in the serum only shortly before clinical manifestation of the disease. A reliable diagnosis of the infection (exclusion of infection in the case of a suspect) can usually not be obtained in vivo. Immunofluorescence or PCR on skin biopsies, cornea smears or saliva samples can be tried but only a positive result is valid. The virus can be detected post-mortem e.g. via direct immunofluorescence in smears of cerebral tissue (medulla, cerebellum, hippocampus).

Ready to send samples?

Choose the tests in the online submission and print the accompanying form for the parcel.

Submit samples online

Rabies Antibody Detection

Rabies.

“Furious rabies”

“Dumb rabies”

News from the laboratory