[Evaluation of an immunochromatographic dipstick test for the assessment of tetanus immunity in horses].

The research study evaluates the efficacy of Fassisi® TetaCheck, a stall-side rapid test for assessing tetanus immunity in horses. The test proved to be robust and reliable, with a potential to avoid excessive immunizations and reduce vaccination side effects in adult horses.

Study Background

• The knowledge of tetanus immunity in horses is important in handling injuries, scheduling surgeries, and designing effective vaccination programs.
• The Fassisi® TetaCheck is a rapid test that can conveniently be used at the stall-side to provide immediate results regarding a horse’s immunity to tetanus.

Study Design

• The study sought to examine the performance parameters of the Fassisi® TetaCheck test.
• Qualitative test results from two blind observers were compared against tetanus toxoid antibody levels from 99 serum samples. The levels were determined using a double antigen ELISA, a common laboratory test that measures the antibodies’ presence in the blood.
• The researchers also quantified the colour intensities on the test window using a camera and photo editing software.

Study Findings

• The study assumed a protective level of tetanus toxoid antibodies at ≥ 0.1 IE/ml.
• The Tetanus Quick Stick (TQS) showed a sensitivity rate of 83.6% and a specificity rate of 100%, indicating its accuracy in correctly identifying those with and without tetanus immunity.
• The observer’s change did not affect the TQS interpretation, thus indicating that the test results are objective and reliable.

Implications of Findings

• Five distinct colour intensities on the “test window” allowed for clear differentiation between non-immune and immune individuals.
• A linear relationship was discovered between the objectively measured colour intensities and the tetanus toxoid antibody concentration (r2 = 0.74).
• The TQS proved to be sturdy and reliable for stall-side evaluation of tetanus immunity in horses, thereby providing a quick and objective way of determining tetanus immunity in horses.
• The study suggests TQS can be implemented in daily equine practice to prevent unnecessary immunizations in adult horses and minimize vaccination side effects.