Evaluation of two rapid diagnostic tests for rabies diagnosis under field and laboratory conditions in Nigeria

Introduction : very often, suspected rabies cases are hardly sent for laboratory confirmatory diagnosis due to distance to diagnostic facility and cost of transportation. Some brain tissue samples received for diagnosis in Nigeria get decomposed due to lack of storage facilities, inadequate transportation, and distance to laboratories where diagnosis can be conducted, or lack of rapid test. Especially when exposure occurs in rural areas, this may result in misdiagnosis and loss of human life. Rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis of rabies in humans and other animals is essential for timely administration of post-exposure prophylaxis. If the animal is infected, prompt diagnosis may save a patient from unnecessary physical and psychological trauma.The study was carried out to evaluate two rapid diagnostic rabies tests in South Eastern Nigeria.