Test used to identify rabies virus in the brain of a dog.
a. Direct fluorescent antibody
b. Indirect fluorescent antibody
c. Rabies immune globulin
d. Killed rabies virus
e. None of the above

The direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test uses fluorescently labeled antibodies that bind directly to rabies virus antigens in tissue samples. It is a rapid and specific diagnostic method commonly used to detect rabies virus in brain tissue, making it the standard test for confirming rabies infection post-mortem.

Rabies virus is a neurotropic virus that infects the central nervous system, often diagnosed by detecting viral antigens in brain tissue. Accurate identification is crucial for disease confirmation and public health responses, typically involving immunofluorescence techniques or viral isolation.

Direct fluorescent antibody tests use labeled antibodies that bind directly to the antigen, providing quick results. Indirect fluorescent antibody tests involve an unlabeled primary antibody and a labeled secondary antibody, increasing sensitivity but requiring more steps and time.