News
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> 12.08.2019 - New study for FASTest® LEISH
Due to the ESCCAP recommendations “Control of Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs and Cats” (Guideline 05 Third Edition – March 2019), serology is the most commonly used first step for the detection of a specific antibody response in dogs around 12 weeks after initial infection or years after the initial infection to detect a subclinical infection. In addition to the proven laboratory methods (IFAT, ELISA and Western blot with varying sensitivity and specificity values due to different defined cut-off values in different labs) the in-house rapid tests, based on immunochromatographic methods, have reasonable sensitivity values for the initial detection of seropositive dogs.
In a recent study from 2019*, FASTest® LEISH showed a sensitivity of 100 % and a specificity of 99,1 % compared to the reference tests IFAT and ELISA. This indicates the FASTest® LEISH as a reliable and practical in-house rapid test for the detection of LEISH specific antibodies.
Nevertheless, additional findings based on anamnesis, clinical signs, clinicopathological abnormalities and especially further quantitative detection (IFAT/ELISA: final titre) of antibodies are required for the confirmation of the clinical case and for clinical management post chemotherapy. Finally, it must be noted that in case of a recent vaccination of a non-DIVA vaccinated dog (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) IFAT, ELISA and rapid test results based on whole antigens may remain positive for up to 6 months.
Sergio Villanueva‑Saz, Asier Basurco, Víctor Martín, Antonio Fernández, Araceli Loste and María Teresa Verde
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> 17.12.2018 - NEW: MegaLINE® BORRELIA IgG
Improved LINE immunoassay
The new MegaLINE® BORRELIA IgG is an improved LINE immunoassay for the detection of antibodies against Borrelia in the serum of dogs and horses:
- C6 and VlsE band: increased sensitivity + specificity
- Mix conjugate: parallel analysis of dog and horse samples
- integrated Cut off and function controls
- visual or software supported evaluation
Flyer MegaLINE® BORRELIA IgG
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> 07.08.2017 - POCKIT™ FeLV: rapid on-site diagnostics
PCR gives comparable results to virus isolation
The feline Leukaemia is caused by the retrovirus FeLV and one of the most fatal cat diseases. The prevalence for FeLV infections in the last years decreases world-wide. The more important is a rapid diagnostics of the disease and the implementation of the related measures. These prevent a further spread of the disease and contribute to the eradication of FeLV in the long term. Many cats, however, develop a latent FeLV infection. Detection of pathogen is often negative in these cases. A proof of the provirus during latent infection is only possible with PCR.
In a recently published study (Wilkes et al. 2017) it was shown that the POCKIT™ FeLV PCR test gives comparable results to virus isolation. For this purpose, 116 retrospective and 150 prospective plasma and serum samples were tested. With a sensitivity of 98% (prospective) or 100% (retrospective) and a specificity of 93.8% (prospective) or 98.6% (retrospective), the POCKIT™ FeLV delivers reliable results compared to virus isolation (golden standard).
The rapid and simple execution of the POCKIT™ FeLV enables a rapid on-site diagnosis.
Rapid and sensitive insulated isothermal PCR for point-of-need feline leukaemia virus detection