Validation and operational application of a rapid method for rabies antigen detection

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.