Use of latex agglutination test to determine rabies antibodies in production of rabies antisera in horses.

The research focuses on using a simpler method, the latex agglutination test (LAT), to determine levels of rabies antibodies in horses for the production of therapeutic anti-rabies immunoglobulin used in humans.

Objective of the Study

• The main aim of the study was to develop a simpler and more efficient method than the existing rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) to determine rabies antibodies in horse sera. The researchers attempted to do this through the application of the latex agglutination test (LAT), a test that offers advantages such as speed, simplicity, and the ability to easily interpret results.

Methodology of the Study

• The study was conducted by testing a total of 468 horse serum samples using the LAT. These samples were characterized previously by the more complex RFFIT.
• The samples were divided into two main groups based on antibody titres as per results from the RFFIT: those with antibody titers of less than 100 IU/ml and those with antibody titers equal to or greater than this level.

Findings of the Study

• The results showed that of the 260 samples with antibody titers of less than 100 IU/ml, 253 samples had an agglutination score of 1+.
• Out of the 208 samples with antibody titers equal to or greater than 100 IU/ml, 174 samples presented with agglutination scores between 2 and 4+.
• These findings suggested a clear correlation between the rates of agglutination in the LAT test and the antibody titre levels determined by the RFFIT, signified by a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.87.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that the LAT is a valid method to determine rabies antibodies in horse sera. It offers the advantages of being rapid, simple to perform, easy to interpret, and possibly utilizable as an on-site test for estimating rabies antibodies in horses. This can potentially replace the complex and laborious RFFIT method, offering greater feasibility in horse farms.