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Workshop report: Improving standardisation of rabies serology methods and procedures
Lorraine Marie McElhinney1, Luciana Botelho Chaves2, Céline Petit3
1Viral Zoonoses (Virology), Animal and Plant Health Agency, National Reference Laboratory for Human and Animal Rabies, Weybridge, UK.
Vaccine
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Rabies antibody levels may be declining, prompting a reevaluation of the 0.5 IU/mL protection threshold. Experts recommend standardizing rabies serology assays for reliable results.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rabies is a fatal viral disease causing ~70,000 deaths globally each year.
- Rabies virus neutralising antibodies (RVNAs) indicate protection, with a 0.5 IU/mL threshold set in 1977.
- Recent observations show declining RVNA titres post-vaccination across multiple human rabies vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address challenges in rabies serology.
- To discuss the need for assay standardization.
- To reassess the current 0.5 IU/mL RVNA protection threshold in humans.
Main Methods:
- An expert workshop convened in June 2024.
- Discussion of current rabies serology methodologies and challenges.
- Formulation of practical recommendations for improving data comparability.
Main Results:
- Observed declining RVNA geometric mean titres in response to 3 different human rabies vaccines.
- Identified critical need for assay standardization in rabies serology.
- Highlighted issues with inter-laboratory data comparability.
Conclusions:
- Standardization of methods, quality control, and training are crucial for rabies serology.
- An international working group is recommended for validation and consistent interpretation of results.
- Reassessment of the 0.5 IU/mL RVNA threshold is necessary for human protection.
