AI system could transform rabies testing around the world
Researchers have developed an AI-based system to automate rabies virus detection in cell cultures, significantly improving speed and accuracy compared to manual microscopic analysis. The tool is designed to be accessible for use in countries where rabies remains endemic.
Why it matters
Automating diagnostic processes for deadly diseases can save thousands of lives by enabling faster, more reliable testing in resource-limited settings.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add to Preferred Sources Workflow for generating antibody titres and comparing deep learning model predictions with human assessment. Credit: Scientific Reports (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-57955-8 Rabies virus detection in cell cultures could soon become faster and more accessible, thanks to the world's first AI system for this purpose, developed by researchers at the University of Surrey's Institute for People-Centered AI (PAI) in collaboration with the Rabies and Viral Zoonoses team at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The system is designed to help improve surveillance of one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases and deliver practical, laboratory-ready tools that can be adopted in endemic countries.
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