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The Veterinary record2012; 172(8); 210; doi: 10.1136/vr-2012-100735

Challenges and proposed solutions for more accurate serological diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia.

Abstract: Serological diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) infections has depended mainly on the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIDT). This study documents the presence of EIAV genetic sequences in a number of persistently infected horses and mules whose serums were interpreted as negative/equivocal on AGIDT, but positive on more than one ELISA test and in immunoblot tests. Strategies designed to take advantage of the combined strengths of the ELISA and AGIDT are shown effective in a national surveillance program for EIA in Italy where 17 per cent (25/149) of the equids considered to be infected with EIAV on combined/comparative serological data had reactions in the AGIDT that were interpreted as negative or equivocal. These data document the benefits of using a three-tiered laboratory system for the diagnosis of EIA. Although the ELISA-first strategy introduces some confusing results, the discovery of up to 20 per cent more cases of EIA makes it compelling. In our opinion, it is better and more defensible to find two samples in 1000 with resolvable but falsely positive ELISA tests for EIA than to release two to three horses in 10,000 with falsely negative test results for EIA (the rates seen in the Italian surveillance presented here).
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Publication Date: 2012-11-16 PubMed ID: 23161812PubMed Central: PMC3593188DOI: 10.1136/vr-2012-100735Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article focuses on improving the accuracy of diagnosing equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) in horses and mules through an enhanced diagnostic approach combining both ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests and AGIDT (Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Test). They found that certain equines tested negative or equivocal on AGIDT, despite being infected, but tested positive in ELISA tests. The study advocates for a three-tiered diagnostic approach, despite the introduction of some confusing results, for detecting up to 20% more cases of EIAV.

Equine Infectious Anaemia and Diagnostic Techniques

  • The research study deals with the diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia virus, a persistent and occasionally fatal viral disease in horses, mules, and other equines.
  • The traditional method of diagnosing EIAV is through the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIDT), a serological test that utilizes antibodies for detection.
  • However, the study reveals that AGIDT, though commonly used, may not always provide accurate or complete results, as some infected equines were found to be negative or equivocal in the test.
  • The observational discrepancy lead to exploration of more sensitive testing methods, such as the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and immunoblot tests, which have shown positive results for the same set of equines.

Efficacy of Combined Diagnostic Blueprint

  • The combined diagnostic strategy inclusive of ELISA and AGIDT has been utilized effectively in a national surveillance program for EIA in Italy.
  • The research highlights that 17 per cent of the equids, deemed to be infected with EIAV based on combined/comparitive serological data, had reactions in the AGIDT that were interpreted as negative or equivocal.
  • This data builds the case for the benefits of a three-tiered laboratory system for EIA diagnosis. This integrated approach aids in more comprehensive and precise diagnosis of EIAV.
  • Notably, about 20 per cent more cases of EIA were discovered through this approach, making it a highly compelling method.

Acceptance of False Positives over False Negatives

  • Interestingly, the research mentions that using an ELISA-first strategy might introduce some confusing or false positive results.
  • The researchers argue, however, it’s more acceptable to discover two samples in 1000 with resolvable, yet false positives for EIA, than releasing two to three horses in 10,000 that are actually infected, but test falsely negative—an occurrence noted in the Italian surveillance program.
  • Essentially, the research encourages erring on the side of caution in detecting EIAV, to prevent the potential spread of this harmful virus. And to opt for further investigations in case of any doubts rather than risking the release of a truly infected horse.

Cite This Article

APA
Issel CJ, Scicluna MT, Cook SJ, Cook RF, Caprioli A, Ricci I, Rosone F, Craigo JK, Montelaro RC, Autorino GL. (2012). Challenges and proposed solutions for more accurate serological diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia. Vet Rec, 172(8), 210. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr-2012-100735

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 172
Issue: 8
Pages: 210

Researcher Affiliations

Issel, C J
  • Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA. cissel@uky.edu
Scicluna, M T
    Cook, S J
      Cook, R F
        Caprioli, A
          Ricci, I
            Rosone, F
              Craigo, J K
                Montelaro, R C
                  Autorino, G L

                    MeSH Terms

                    • Animals
                    • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
                    • Equine Infectious Anemia / blood
                    • Equine Infectious Anemia / diagnosis
                    • False Negative Reactions
                    • Horses
                    • Immunoblotting / veterinary
                    • Immunodiffusion / veterinary
                    • Infectious Anemia Virus, Equine / isolation & purification
                    • Italy
                    • Population Surveillance / methods

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