Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Test to detect Hepatozoon canis antibodies in dogs
By Gonen, L et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2004·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies to Hepatozoon canis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that dogs infected with a tick-borne disease called hepatozoonosis, caused by the parasite Hepatozoon canis, can be tested for antibodies using a specific blood test called an ELISA. This test was shown to be quite accurate, detecting antibodies in about 86% of infected dogs. The antibodies typically peaked around 7 to 9 weeks after infection and remained detectable for several months. This test can help veterinarians diagnose dogs that may have been exposed to this parasite and is useful for tracking the disease in different areas.
People also search for: dog tick disease symptoms · hepatozoonosis treatment for dogs · how to test dog for Hepatozoon canis
Abstract
Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne protozoal disease caused in the Old World and South America by Hepatozoon canis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using purified H. canis gamont antigen was applied for the detection of antibodies reactive with H. canis. Evaluation of the ELISA with sera from naturally infected parasitemic dogs indicated that it was sensitive (86%), specific (97%), and comparable to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for the detection of H. canis antibodies. A variable degree of serologic cross-reactivity was found between sera from H. americanum-infected dogs and the H. canis antigen. Dogs experimentally infected with H. canis seroconverted 1-4 weeks post-infection (PI). Antibody levels peaked at 7-9 weeks PI and gradually declined thereafter remaining above the cut-off value until the conclusion of the study 7 months PI. The ELISA will be valuable for serological evaluation of dogs suspected of exposure to H. canis and for epidemiological studies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15177718/