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Australian veterinary journal2021; 99(9); 412-418; doi: 10.1111/avj.13099

The Hendra virus vaccine: perceptions regarding the role of antibody titre testing.

Abstract: To elucidate veterinarians' and horse owners' perceptions towards the use of Hendra virus (HeV) antibody titre testing and how it influences veterinary advice. Methods: Six semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with veterinarians who have submitted samples for HeV antibody titre testing. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed to identify and report common themes within the data. Results: Veterinarians are predominantly using the titre tests as an alternative to vaccination due to clients' fear of vaccine reactions. The high cost of titre testing, the difficulty interpreting titre results and a lack of titre test recognition by authorities were the major barriers reported to using this test. Some veterinarians detailed difficulties communicating titre test procedures and results to their clients. The majority of veterinarians accepted titres of 64 or greater as evidence of protective immunity and would rely on those results for 12 months. However, there was discrepancy of these values and the level of confidence veterinarians had in interpreting the results of HeV antibody titre tests varied. Conclusions: This study has provided an overview of the attitudes of horse owners and veterinarians towards HeV antibody titre testing. Although evidence for HeV vaccination titres as an indication of protective immunity is still inadequate, it will assist veterinarians in interpreting and communicating titre results.
© 2021 Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2021-06-20 PubMed ID: 34151419DOI: 10.1111/avj.13099Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research paper discusses the perceptions of veterinarians and horse owners on the use of Hendra virus (HeV) antibody titre testing and its influence on veterinary guidance. The study explores the reasons for utilizing titre tests as a substitute for vaccination, the barriers to test usage, and the level of confidence veterinarians have in interpreting the test results.

Research Methods

  • Six semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with veterinarians who had previously submitted samples for the HeV antibody titre testing.
  • The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then thematically analyzed. This approach enabled the researchers to identify and report common themes within the data collected.

Key Findings

  • The primary reason for using titre tests as an alternative to vaccination was due to clients’ concerns about potential vaccine reactions.
  • Certain barriers were identified that hindered the use of titre testing. Major obstacles included the high cost of the tests, difficulty interpreting the test results, and a lack of recognition or acceptance of the test results by authoritative bodies.
  • For some veterinarians, there was a challenge in effectively communicating the test procedures and results to their clients.
  • The acceptable titre results which indicated protective immunity were values of 64 or above. Veterinarians would rely on these results for a year. Nevertheless, some discrepancy was found regarding these values, showing a variation in the confidence levels of veterinarians in interpreting HeV antibody titre test results.

Conclusion

  • This study outlines the perceptions of veterinarians and horse owners toward HeV antibody titre testing.
  • Despite the existing inadequacy in evidence for HeV vaccination titres as indicative of protective immunity, the findings of this research could navigate veterinarians in interpreting and communicating these titre results effectively.

Cite This Article

APA
Barrett RS, Wiethoelter A, Halpin K. (2021). The Hendra virus vaccine: perceptions regarding the role of antibody titre testing. Aust Vet J, 99(9), 412-418. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13099

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 99
Issue: 9
Pages: 412-418

Researcher Affiliations

Barrett, R S
  • Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
  • Bellarine Veterinary Practice, Newcomb, Victoria, 3219, Australia.
Wiethoelter, A
  • Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
Halpin, K
  • Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Newcomb, Victoria, 3219, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Hendra Virus
  • Henipavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Henipavirus Infections / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
  • Horses
  • Perception
  • Vaccines
  • Veterinarians

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