Rabies Testing with Dr. Wang

Summary

This video highlights the critical role of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine's diagnostic laboratory in confirming rabies cases. It follows Dr. Wong and his team as they process animal brains to detect the rabies virus using advanced fluorescence microscopy. The process, although aided by modern technology, still relies on traditional safety protocols to prevent exposure. Viewers are reminded of essential rabies prevention steps: vaccinating pets, avoiding wild animals acting strangely, and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. The video emphasizes the importance of biosecurity and community health in rabies control.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rabies is one of the deadliest viruses, and the first step in preventing outbreaks is to confirm and report suspected cases to authorities.
• 😀 The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine has one of the few labs with the expertise to confirm rabies cases in animals.
• 😀 Dr. Wong and his team work daily to process samples, including brains, to diagnose rabies and other diseases affecting animals.
• 😀 Rabies is diagnosed by examining the brain tissue of the infected animal, as it can't be detected through other methods like MRI or blood tests.
• 😀 Debbie Casue and the lab team follow strict biosecurity protocols, including double-gloving, when handling potentially rabies-infected brain specimens.
• 😀 The fluorescence microscope allows Dr. Wong to detect rabies by showing glowing green colors in positive samples.
• 😀 Although technology for diagnosing rabies has improved, the core procedures for handling and processing specimens have remained largely the same over decades.
• 😀 Public health protocols from the 1950s are still in place today to control rabies, focusing on preventing exposure to wild animals and vaccinating pets.
• 😀 Vaccinating pets is the most effective way to prevent rabies, as it stops the development of the virus in animals.
• 😀 If you encounter a wild animal acting strangely or are bitten by an animal with an unknown vaccination status, seek medical attention immediately.
• 😀 Following simple steps like vaccinating pets and reporting wild animals that seem sick can help protect communities and pets from rabies.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine?

The primary goal of the laboratory is to confirm suspected rabies cases and help prevent or control outbreaks by diagnosing the virus in animals.

Why is rabies considered one of the deadliest viruses?

Rabies is considered one of the deadliest viruses because it has a high fatality rate once symptoms appear, and it can be transmitted through animal bites to humans and other animals.

How does the laboratory confirm a rabies case in animals?

The laboratory confirms rabies by examining brain tissue from the suspected animal. This is done by processing brain samples and using a fluorescence microscope to detect the virus.

Why must the animal's brain be used to diagnose rabies?

Rabies can only be detected in the brain of the animal, as it does not show up in tests like blood tests, MRIs, or other diagnostic methods.

What safety precautions does Debbi Casue take when handling potentially rabid brain samples?

Debbi Casue double gloves for extra protection in case of glove tears and carefully handles the brain samples to avoid direct contact with potentially infectious material.

What role does the fluorescence microscope play in rabies diagnosis?

The fluorescence microscope allows Dr. Wong to observe rabies-infected samples under a special light that makes the virus show up as a glowing green color, which indicates a positive result.

Has the technology used to diagnose rabies improved over time?

Yes, the technology, particularly the use of fluorescence microscopes, has greatly advanced over the past 70 years, making rabies detection more precise and efficient.

What are the general safety protocols that laboratory personnel follow when processing rabies specimens?

The safety protocols include double gloving, careful handling of brain samples, and ensuring proper biosecurity measures to avoid contamination or exposure to the virus.

What three steps are recommended to help prevent the spread of rabies in pets and communities?

The three steps are: 1) Vaccinate your pets to prevent rabies, 2) Do not approach wild animals acting strangely and report them to authorities, and 3) Seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a wild animal or one with an unknown vaccination status.

Why is it important to report wild animals that are acting strangely?

It is important to report such animals because abnormal behavior can be a sign of rabies, and early detection and intervention can help prevent the virus from spreading to other animals or humans.