Comparison of sensitivity and specificity between Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT), histopathology and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested RT-PCR) for rabies detection during outbreak 2015

Norazura A. H., . and Azizah D., . and Niny Fariza J., . and Mohamad Masrin A., . and Mohamad Fhitri S., . and Norhafiza H., . and Asniza S., . and Noorazian A.B., . and Ali A.S., . (2023) Comparison of sensitivity and specificity between Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT), histopathology and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested RT-PCR) for rabies detection during outbreak 2015. Malaysian Journal of Veterinary Research (Malaysia), 14 (2). pp. 40-46. ISSN 2180-3897

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by an RNA virus of genus Lyssavirus affecting all mammals, commonly dogs. Classical rabies virus (RABV) is the most highlighted, causing animal infection and public concern. There are two types of classical RABV, known as furious rabies and dumb rabies. Furious rabies is presented by aggressive behaviour whereas the dumb type normally displays no changes in behaviour and is followed by paralysis. Besides that, hypersalivation, photophobia, and hydrophobia could be other clinical symptoms observed in rabid animals. The objective of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of test methods available in diagnosing rabies. This comparison was made between the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT), histopathology, and nested polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) on the brain samples collected during the rabies outbreak in 2015. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated based on the sensitivity and specificity formula. Neither histopathology nor nested RT-PCR could produce good sensitivity results as compared to FAT. However, both histopathology and nested RT-PCR provide higher specificity results compared to the FAT. Other alternative tests in conjunction with rabies diagnostic tests should be established.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://research.dvs.gov.my/portal/wp-content/uploa...

Abstract

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by an RNA virus of genus Lyssavirus affecting all mammals, commonly dogs. Classical rabies virus (RABV) is the most highlighted, causing animal infection and public concern. There are two types of classical RABV, known as furious rabies and dumb rabies. Furious rabies is presented by aggressive behaviour whereas the dumb type normally displays no changes in behaviour and is followed by paralysis. Besides that, hypersalivation, photophobia, and hydrophobia could be other clinical symptoms observed in rabid animals. The objective of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of test methods available in diagnosing rabies. This comparison was made between the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT), histopathology, and nested polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) on the brain samples collected during the rabies outbreak in 2015. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated based on the sensitivity and specificity formula. Neither histopathology nor nested RT-PCR could produce good sensitivity results as compared to FAT. However, both histopathology and nested RT-PCR provide higher specificity results compared to the FAT. Other alternative tests in conjunction with rabies diagnostic tests should be established.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	rabies
AGROVOC Term:	dogs
AGROVOC Term:	zoonoses
AGROVOC Term:	Lyssavirus
AGROVOC Term:	histopathology
AGROVOC Term:	PCR
AGROVOC Term:	brain
AGROVOC Term:	RNA viruses
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2025 03:40
Last Modified:	23 Jun 2025 03:40
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2886

Actions (login required)

View Item