DETECTION OF RABIES VIRUS-ANTIGEN IN ANIMALS BY AVIDIN-BIOTIN DOT ELISA

An avidin-biotin dot ELISA test was standardized to detect rabies vira l antigens from the brain of rabies-suspected animals. This test was c ompared with the direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT). The advantage s of the avidin-biotin dot ELISA are discussed. The incorporation of a vidin-biotin into a conventional ELISA is a step forward in improving the available rabies antigen detection procedures as this technique is more sensitive, highly specific and exploits the great affinity of av idin for biotin. No significant difference was observed between FAT an d avidin-biotin dot ELISA.