Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Early blood test detects distemper infection in dogs
By Latha, D et al.·Published in Veterinary immunology and immunopathology·2007·Anna University, India·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Development of recombinant nucleocapsid protein based IgM-ELISA for the early detection of distemper infection in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs suspected of having distemper were tested using a new blood test that detects antibodies (IgM) against the virus. Out of 70 dogs, nearly half tested positive for distemper, with higher positivity in those showing serious symptoms. This new test showed strong agreement with traditional testing methods, making it a reliable option for early detection of the virus. The findings suggest that this IgM test could help veterinarians diagnose distemper more quickly and accurately, potentially leading to better outcomes for affected dogs.
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Abstract
An IgM-ELISA based on a 16-kDa recombinant protein produced for the conserved and functional middle region of nucleocapsid protein of Canine distemper virus was developed. Out of 70 serum samples from distemper-suspected and vaccinated dogs analyzed, 34 serum samples (49%) were positive. The specificity of this ELISA was confirmed by blocking and adsorption experiments. The IgM-ELISA based on the recombinant nucleocapsid protein showed a strong correlation (r=0.857, p<0.0001 at 95% CI) and good agreement (kappa=0.714) with the conventional Vero cell culture distemper antigen based IgM-ELISA. The percent positivity was more in dogs with systemic signs (62%) by recombinant nucleocapsid protein IgM-ELISA. Out of 70 clinical serum samples, 69 samples were used along with 4 control sera used in the IgM-ELISA for the detection of viral RNA by Slot blot hybridization and 26 of them (36%) were positive. Fifty-one percent agreement was observed between the recombinant nucleocapsid protein IgM-ELISA and Slot blot hybridization. The analysis of clinical history of the dogs with systemic signs supported the application of IgM-ELISA over Slot blot hybridization in the early detection of distemper infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17659785/