Study on antibody prevalence to microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi in dogs (Canis familiaris) using indirect immunofluorescence
2001
Stefkovic, M. (University of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice - Komenskaho (Slovac Republic). Department of Biology, Genetics and Animal Husbandry) | Maslej, P. | Halanova, M. | Novotna, A. | Balent, P.
Several species of mammals including the dog seem to be potential sources of encephalitozoonosis for animal as well as human hosts. The presence of specific serum antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi was studied in a group of 178 dogs from Eastern Slovakia. The indirect fluorescence of antibodies was chosen as a diagnostic method. Entire cell corpuscular antigen of the in vitro grown microsporidia and swine anti-dog FITC-conjugated immunoglobulin were used in the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFTA). The animals whose sera reacted by immunofluorescence in a titre of at least 1:20 were considered positive. Specific anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies were found in 53 out of the 178 dogs investigated (29.8%). Two thirds of the serum positive samples (37 out of 53) were in the lower titre range of 1:20 to 1:40. Sixteen dogs were seropisitive at a dilution from 1:80 to 1:320. The other 125 dogs (70.2%) showed seronegative reactions. Our screening results indicated that the examination of canine sera for the presence of anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antigens is of great importance especially in dogs with health problems. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) is a very sensitive method for detection of early microsporidian infection in dogs and for indication of very small amounts of specific post-infectious antibodies.
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