PCR tick testing fills a gap missed by rapid ELISA testing
Animals, just like humans, are susceptible to tick-borne illnesses and pathogens. It is important to screen and treat them for these infections. Common tick-borne diseases in animals include Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and B. mayonii, anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia species. Veterinary screening tests, such as the SNAP 4DX by IDEXX, can quickly detect these infections. In this blog post, we will examine the usefulness and limitations of these diagnostic tools.
How do rapid diagnostic tests work?
The SNAP 4DX test is specifically designed for dogs and uses the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) platform. This test can detect four infections (Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and heartworms) in just minutes. ELISA is a common tool used to detect proteins, peptides, antibodies, and hormones. In the SNAP 4DX test, the target macromolecule is immobilized on a surface and combined with a reporter enzyme and an antibody. The results are indicated by a color change.
IDEXX claims a high sensitivity rate of 90. 3% to 97.1% and a specificity rate of 94.3% to 96.2% for tick-borne pathogens. However, it's important to note that these diagnostic tests rely on seroconversion, which is the time between exposure to a pathogen and when antibodies are present in the blood serum. For example, dogs usually take at least 4 weeks to seroconvert for B. burgdorferi, 8 days for A. phagocytophilum, 16 days for A. platys, and 12-14 days for E. canis. The seroconversion timeline for E. ewingii is not yet widely established.
This means that the Snap 4DX test may not be effective in detecting these infections during the early stages after exposure. Additionally, a positive test result does not necessarily indicate an active infection or the need for treatment. Research has shown that positive antibody tests for B. burgdorferi, Anaplasma, E. canis, and E. ewingii can persist beyond active infections or prior treatments.
How VetVector fills the gap!
To overcome these limitations, VetVector uses real-time PCR to test individual ticks for various tick-borne pathogens. Real-time PCR, or quantitative PCR, amplifies a template of DNA and quantifies the copy number in real-time. This method does not rely on seroconversion, so there is no waiting period for accurate testing.
VetVector utilizes real-time PCR to analyze ticks for a wide range of tick-borne pathogens, including various Borrelia species, Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia species, Rickettsia species, and more. This testing method has a high accuracy rate of 99.9% and can provide results within 24 hours, with a guarantee of results within 3 days.
This approach eliminates the limitations of waiting for seroconversion and provides timely and accurate results. Used in conjunction with rapid diagnostic ELISA tools, tick testing can provide a more complete picture of pathogen exposure.
It is important to prioritize the health and well-being of our furry friends. Regular screening and appropriate treatment for tick-borne diseases can help ensure their overall health and longevity. By partnering with veterinarians and utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like real-time PCR, we can stay ahead of these infections and provide the best care for our beloved pets.
