Rabies direct fluorescent antibody test does not inactivate rabies or eastern equine encephalitis viruses.

This research shows that neither the rabies virus nor the Eastern equine encephalitis virus were inactivated by the routine rabies direct fluorescent antibody test or an acetone fixation process. Therefore, laboratory workers should treat all specimens as potentially infectious throughout the entire testing procedure.

Research Objectives and Methodology

• The researchers aimed to determine whether a commonly used rabies direct fluorescent antibody test could effectively inactivate rabies and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses present in mammalian brain tissue.
• They used acetone fixation and the routine rabies direct fluorescent antibody test across multiple specimens, all positive either with rabies or Eastern equine encephalitis.

Findings of the Research

• The findings of the study showed that neither the rabies virus nor the Eastern equine encephalitis virus was inactivated by the standard test or the acetone fixation process.
• This implies that these virus particles could still potentially infect individuals handling the samples, despite undergoing these test procedures.

Implications of the Research

• The results suggest an important health and safety concern for laboratory workers handling specimens that are tested for these viruses.
• To minimize exposure risk, the researchers recommend treating all specimens as potentially infectious with either rabies or Eastern equine encephalitis throughout the entire testing procedure, regardless of the application of acetone fixation or testing.