[Comparative techniques for the diagnosis of rabies and its incidence in Tamaulipas in 1987].

Rabies in suspect cases was diagnosed by immunofluorescence, histopathology and biological tests in samples from government health centers in Tamaulipas, Mexico during 1987. Comparative analysis between the diagnostic results and the epidemiological survey was performed. Brain samples of 278 suspect animals were studied; 45 cases were positive to rabies (16.1%). The centers providing high number of samples and positive cases correlate with counties of high human and canine population density, however, the percentage of positive cases versus samples sent does not correlate with the same counties, therefore making it possible to establish high risk areas. During spring, an increase of positive samples were received possibly associated with the canine breeding season. Urban rabies is a real problem in Tamaulipas, expressed by 97.7% of positive canine samples, 63.6% males and 36.3% females of an average age of fifteen months and were primarily of native breeds. Only 22% of positive cases had been previously vaccinated against rabies. A 56.3% incidence reduction versus the last four years was observed. It was concluded that a reduction of false positive results is possible when using the 3 diagnostic procedures described.