Which method is commonly used to test for rabies?

Viral isolation is a commonly used method to test for rabies, as it directly identifies the virus in laboratory samples. This method involves culturing the suspected virus from a sample taken from the animal or human subject. It allows for the observation of the virus's growth, confirming its presence. In the context of rabies, viral isolation is particularly effective because the rabies virus can be isolated from certain tissues, such as the brain, of infected animals during the active stages of the disease.

Other testing methods exist, but they are utilized in different contexts. For instance, ELISA testing can detect antibodies against the rabies virus but does not confirm the presence of the virus itself. Histopathology can observe tissue changes caused by the virus but requires expert interpretation and does not serve as a standalone confirmatory test. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a sensitive and specific method for detecting the genetic material of the rabies virus and is increasingly employed for rapid diagnosis. However, in classic laboratory practices, viral isolation remains a definitive approach to diagnose rabies, particularly in surveillance and research settings.