Evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic test kit to the gold standard fluorescent antibody test for diagnosis of rabies in animals in Bhutan.
Authors: Tenzin Tenzin, Lhamo Kelzang, Rai Purna B, Tshering Dawa, Jamtsho Pema, Namgyal Jamyang, Wangdi Thrinang, Letho Sangay, Rai Tuku, Jamtsho Sonam, Dorji Chendu, Rinchen Sangay, Lungten Lungten, Wangmo Karma, Lungten Lungten, Wangchuk Pema, Gempo Tshewang, Jigme Kezang, Phuntshok Karma, Tenzinla Tenzinla, Gurung Ratna B, Dukpa Kinzang
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary Rabies diagnosis must be rapid and reliable to enable timely public health intervention and post-exposure prophylaxis in exposed individuals, yet resource-limited settings often lack access to gold-standard laboratory testing. Researchers in Bhutan evaluated a point-of-care immunochromatographic test kit against the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) using 179 brain tissue samples from suspected rabies cases across multiple species (predominantly dogs and cattle, with smaller numbers of cats, goats, horses and one bear). The rapid kit demonstrated strong diagnostic performance relative to FAT, with sensitivity and specificity values that supported its use as a field-deployable confirmatory tool, whilst positive and negative predictive values indicated reliable clinical decision-making capacity in this endemic setting. For equine practitioners in regions where rabies is present, this validation of a portable diagnostic option has significant implications: whilst post-mortem brain tissue examination remains the definitive approach, field-based rapid testing could substantially accelerate case confirmation and enable swifter implementation of biosecurity and exposure management protocols following suspected rabies incidents. The availability of such fit-for-purpose diagnostics is particularly valuable in geographically remote areas where centralised laboratory facilities are inaccessible, allowing practitioners to initiate appropriate containment measures without diagnostic delay.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Rapid point-of-care rabies tests may enable faster diagnosis in field settings, supporting quicker public health response and postexposure prophylaxis decisions
- •For equine practitioners, any rabies suspect case should still be treated as a potential zoonotic emergency with appropriate biosafety protocols regardless of rapid test results
- •This validation study supports consideration of rapid tests as adjuncts to laboratory confirmation in resource-limited regions, though FAT remains the reference standard
Key Findings
- •Rapid immunochromatographic test kit was evaluated against fluorescent antibody test (FAT) as gold standard across 179 brain tissue samples from multiple species
- •Study assessed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of BioNote rapid antigen detection test for rabies diagnosis
- •Rapid diagnostic testing evaluated for field application in resource-limited settings to enhance disease surveillance and early containment measures