In:
Parasitology, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 140, No. 11 ( 2013-09), p. 1442-1450
Abstract:
Dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum , a potentially lethal parasite parasitizing the heart and pulmonary arteries, may present severe respiratory, haematological and neurological signs. In this first large-scale seroepidemiological survey, 4003 sera originating from Germany and 4030 from the UK were tested by an ELISA for the detection of circulating antigen of A. vasorum , and by a separate ELISA detecting specific antibodies. In Germany, where mainly western federal states were sampled, 0·3% ( n = 13, CI: 0·2–0·6%) of dogs were positive in both ELISAs, whereas in total 0·5% ( n = 20, CI: 0·3–0·8%) were antigen-positive and 2·25% ( n = 90, CI: 1·8–2·8%) were positive for specific antibodies. Regions with antigen- and antibody-positive animals were overlapping. In the UK, where mainly the south of the country was sampled, 0·97% ( n = 39, CI: 0·7–1·3%) of dogs were antigen- and antibody positive. In total, 1·32% ( n = 53, CI: 1·0–1·7%) were antigen-positive, and 3·2% ( n = 129, CI: 2·7–3·8%) were positive for specific antibodies, again in overlapping regions. These results confirm the occurrence of A. vasorum in a random dog population originating from large parts of the countries investigated. The use of the tests alone or in combination was considered as a function of their sensitivities and specificities, in order to guide efficient clinical and epidemiological application.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0031-1820
,
1469-8161
DOI:
10.1017/S0031182013001091
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2013
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1491287-9
SSG:
12
