1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Pathogen detection in serum, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, skin biopsy (removal of tissue from the skin) from the neck, corneal epithelium; brain tissue (post mortem).
- Detection of rabies-specific antibodies.
- Detection of rabies virus RNA by RT-PCR (real-time quantitative PCR).
- Direct antibody fluorescence testing.
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Detection of antibodies of various viruses such as herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, among others.
The direct or indirect detection of the “Rabies virus” is reportable by name according to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), as far as the evidence indicates an acute infection.
