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Veterinary parasitology1986; 20(1-3); 49-61; doi: 10.1016/0304-4017(86)90092-0

Serodiagnosis of experimental and natural Babesia equi and B. caballi infections.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the complement fixation (CF) test for the diagnosis of Babesia infections in equines was assessed, using the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test as a reference. Antibodies were first detected between 11 and 20 days post infection (dpi) in the CF test and between 7 and 14 dpi in the IFA test in ponies infected experimentally with B. equi (USDA strain). The CF test became negative in four of five ponies 63-174 dpi although B. equi was demonstrated microscopically in two of these four ponies up to 364 and 455 dpi. The IFA test remained positive up to 476 dpi (end of the examination period). Ponies infected experimentally with B. caballi (USDA strain) showed positive reactions in the CF test at first between 13 and 15 dpi and in the IFA test 10 or 11 dpi. The CF test became negative in two of three ponies 80 and 140 dpi, whereas the IFA test remained positive up to 190 dpi (end of the examination period). Cross-reactions of sera with heterologous antigens occurred at dilutions of 1/5 in the CF test and up to 1/20 in the IFA test. A total of 3944 CF tests was performed on 3765 horses from various European countries during 1980-1984. Sera that gave positive or trace CF reactions were retested in the IFA test. All 123 CF-positive sera were also IFA-positive and 26 of 31 sera (B. equi) and 11 of 32 sera (B. caballi) showing CF trace reactions were positive in the IFA test. Sera of two CF-negative horses were positive in the IFA test (B. equi); one of these horses was also positive upon microscopic examination. In seven of 21 horses repeatedly examined over longer periods the IFA titers (B. equi) persisted for up to 454 days longer than the CF titers. Sera of horses from highly endemic areas gave the following reactions: Sudan, 62 of 91 sera CF- and 86 of 91 IFA-positive; Zaire, 58 of 75 sera CF- and 72 of 75 IFA-positive; Columbia, 51 of 56 sera CF- and 56 of 56 IFA-positive; Brazil, 17 of 25 sera CF- and 21 of 25 IFA-positive. Only B. equi infections were demonstrated in Zaire. The combined use of the CF and IFA tests is recommended for safe identification of equine Babesia infections.
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Publication Date: 1986-03-01 PubMed ID: 3518217DOI: 10.1016/0304-4017(86)90092-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 study evaluates the efficiency of two diagnostic tests for Babesia infections in horses. These tests, the complement fixation (CF) test and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, were analyzed for their sensitivity and specificity, with an emphasis on their ability to track the progress and duration of infections.

Methodology and Experimentation

  • The researchers used the CF and IFA tests to examine the antibodies’ presence in horses infected with either B. equi or B. caballi strains.
  • They determined when antibodies first appeared and when they vanished, noting that detections varied between the CF and IFA test.
  • They also noted that in some cases, despite the CF test indicating that the infection had cleared, the B. equi was still microscopically visible or the IFA test result was still positive. This suggested the CF test might not be reliable for tracking longer-lasting infections.
  • Additionally, the study examined cross-reactions of sera with non-identical antigens, highlighting that such reactions could cause possible confusion in diagnosis.

Large Scale Survey

  • Meanwhile, from 1980-1984, the researchers also conducted a massive survey, performing some 3944 CF tests on 3765 horses drawn from various European countries.
  • The findings from this survey underlined the advantages of the IFA test. They found that of the 123 CF-positive results, all were also IFA-positive. Additionally, the survey discovered that some CF-negative results were actually positive when tested via the IFA method.
  • Outside Europe, the study investigated how the tests performed in areas where the disease is widespread, including Sudan, Zaire, Columbia, and Brazil. They found that more cases were identified using the IFA test, corroborating their previous findings.

Conclusion and Recommendation

  • The study concludes that the CF test may not be entirely reliable for diagnosis and especially not for tracking the course of Babesia infections in horses due to its limited sensitivity, particularly in the later stages of infection.
  • Furthermore, it indicates that the IFA test is more reliable, identifying infections that the CF test might miss and better detecting lingering infections.
  • Therefore, it recommends utilizing both tests together to safely identify equine Babesia infections, presumably with the IFA test used to verify and follow up on CF test results.

Cite This Article

APA
Tenter AM, Friedhoff KT. (1986). Serodiagnosis of experimental and natural Babesia equi and B. caballi infections. Vet Parasitol, 20(1-3), 49-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4017(86)90092-0

Publication

Veterinary parasitology
ISSN: 0304-4017
NlmUniqueID: 7602745
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 20
Issue: 1-3
Pages: 49-61

Researcher Affiliations

Tenter, A M
    Friedhoff, K T

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology
      • Babesia / immunology
      • Babesiosis / diagnosis
      • Babesiosis / epidemiology
      • Babesiosis / immunology
      • Brazil
      • Colombia
      • Complement Fixation Tests / veterinary
      • Cross Reactions
      • Democratic Republic of the Congo
      • Europe
      • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / veterinary
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / immunology
      • Horses
      • Sudan

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