Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of measuring IgM, IgG, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in rabbits with suspected Encephalitozoon cuniculi (ECUN) infection. Serum samples from 130 pet rabbits were submitted from veterinary clinics within the United States. Participating veterinarians completed a questionnaire that was used to classify rabbits as either non-ECUN suspect (n = 36) or suspected of having ECUN infection (n = 94). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect IgG and IgM titers against ECUN. In addition, an immunoturbidimetric assay was used to detect CRP. In all, 50% of non-ECUN-suspect rabbits were IgG positive vs 95% of ECUN-suspect rabbits. When comparing the results from the 2 groups, higher titers of IgM and IgG and elevated CRP levels were observed in the ECUN-suspect group (P < 0.05). When examined alone, the positive predictive values of IgM, IgG, and CRP varied from 88% to 90%. The use of combinations of these tests decreased the sensitivity of the diagnostic panel but increased the specificity. -resulting in a positive predictive value ranging from 92% to 100%. These data suggest that the use of multiple immunological tests appears helpful in diagnosing ECUN in rabbit patients exhibiting clinical signs consistent with infection.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 356-360 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1 2015 |
Keywords
- C-reactive protein
- ELISA
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi
- IgG
- IgM
- Serology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- veterinary(all)