2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

The results indicate that Giardia spp. DNA, Cryptosporidium spp. DNA, and Cryptosporidium felis DNA are commonly amplified from feces of dogs and cats, coinfections are common, and positive rates can vary by age, season, and region. Either of the agents should be suspected more highly in young animals. Additional studies will be required to evaluate for associations of positive test results with clinical findings and to determine the likelihood dogs or cats are carrying zoonotic Giardia spp. or Cryptosporidium spp. Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, are becoming increasingly prevalent as tick distributions expand through climate change, wildlife migration, and increased relocation of companion animals. Granulocytic anaplasmosis is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted by Ixodes spp. of ticks. Both dogs and humans are susceptible to this infection. In dogs common signs of the infection, such as lethargy, anorexia, lameness and fever, are non-specific. Differential diagnosis is supported by evidence of morulae or DNA, especially in acute cases, and by detection of specific antibodies using IFA or ELISA-based tests. 1 A related but distinct bacterium, A. platys, also infects dogs and causes infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia. 2 The present study compared the performance of two in-clinic rapid tests, the SNAP Ã’ 4Dx Plus Ã’ Test (IDEXX), and the VetScan Ã’ Canine Anaplasma Test (Abaxis). Random canine samples sourced from endemic regions for A. phagocytophilum were characterized by A. phagocytophilum Immunoflourescence assay (IFA) which was performed by a commercial reference laboratory. A. platys-specific samples were sourced from dogs living in the southwest, an A. platys-endemic region. These samples were characterized using A. platys-specific peptide ELISA. 3 The characterized samples were then blinded and randomized before testing with the two in-clinic rapid tests. Results are shown in the table below.