A retrospective analysis of canine, feline, and equine respiratory polymerase chain reaction panels performed at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center (January-December 2023).

Abstract

Objective To analyze the results and metadata of canine, feline, and equine respiratory PCR panel assays performed at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center and inform veterinary diagnostic sample submission. Methods This retrospective study reviewed laboratory data from routine sample submissions to the Animal Health Diagnostic Center for canine, feline, and equine respiratory PCR panels from January 1 through December 31, 2023. Associations were compared between variables using χ2 tests of independence or Fisher exact tests. Results A total of 1,902 canine, feline, and equine respiratory panels were performed (705 canine, 189 feline, and 1,008 equine). The most common pathogens were Mycoplasma cynos (canine [66%]), Mycoplasma felis (feline [60%]), and Streptococcus equi subsp equi (equine [39%]). The most common coinfections were canine parainfluenza virus and M cynos (canine), M felis and feline calicivirus (feline), and S equi subsp equi and equine rhinitis virus B (equine). Acute canine cases were more likely to be positive than chronic cases (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.7 to 4.5), with viruses more common than bacteria (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.6 to 8.2). Canine and feline upper respiratory samples had a higher probability of detecting bacteria (χ2 < 0.0001; OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.1) than viruses (χ2 < 0.04; OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.9). There was a lower probability of detecting bacteria than viruses in equine upper respiratory samples (χ2 < 0.0001; OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.57). Conclusions This study highlights the probable pathogens detected in select respiratory panel PCR testing. Timing of sample collection during the respiratory illness may influence pathogen detection. Clinical Relevance Acutely collected samples and clinically relevant information should be provided to laboratories to maximize diagnostic outcomes.