Which test is used to diagnose Rabies?

• A. Brain test
• B. Urine test
• C. Blood test
• D. Skin test

Answer: (A)

Rabies is diagnosed by directly detecting the virus in nervous tissue, because the virus concentrates in the brain as the disease progresses. The standard, most reliable method is the direct fluorescent antibody test on brain tissue, which uses labeled antibodies to reveal rabies virus antigen in brain cells. This direct demonstration in the central nervous system provides a definitive diagnosis.

Blood, urine, or skin samples aren’t reliable for confirming infection. Rabies virus is not consistently present in the bloodstream, and antibodies detected in blood can reflect vaccination or past exposure rather than active infection. Skin biopsies are not routinely definitive in animals. Because brain tissue yields the clearest, most conclusive evidence, brain testing is the preferred approach, typically performed on tissue collected after euthanasia or death.