Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
IHC methods are sensitive and specific for the detection of rabies virus antigen in formalin-fixed tissues. Tissues fixed in formalin must first be processed by routine histologic methods, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded slides. Rabies virus antigen is detected using specific anti-rabies monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. IHC testing is more sensitive and specific than histologic staining methods, such as hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Sellers stains.
Page last reviewed: May 12, 2022