Demonstration of viral antibodies by pseudotype virus neutralization

Serological studies of rabies viruses (RABV) using pseudotyped viruses (PV) can be undertaken in low-containment laboratories, are highly sensitive and specific, and highly adaptable, so can be tailored to the individual requirements of each laboratory. These facets stem from the fact that PV are replication incompetent, recombinant viruses that can be engineered to contain one of several different reporter genes and a range of different RABV glycoproteins (G) protruding from their viral membrane. Their stability when stored at a wide range of temperatures and through several rounds of freeze-thawing, coupled with the minimal loss of viral titer following lyophilization, further highlights their suitability as reagents for use in resource-limited countries.