This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Incoordination, Weakness, Spasticity, Tremors » EPM, Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis »
  Discussion on Research Summary: More Accurate Testing Procedures for EPM
Author Message
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Jan 8, 2011 - 11:33 am:

Improved serological tests and new techniques have turned EPM diagnosis around in the past year. No longer is diagnosis hit or miss. However these tests take time. For more on what AI and C-value are and how they may affect diagnosis and treatment protocols see the article.
DrO

J Vet Intern Med. 2010 Dec 14.
Antibody Coefficients for the Diagnosis of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis.

Furr M, Howe D, Reed S, Yeargan M.

Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Leesburg, VA M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY.
Abstract

Background: Diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) remains a challenge for equine practitioners. Current utilized methods have inadequate sensitivity and specificity, because of a high number of false positive results. Hypothesis/Objective: Evaluation of antibody indices to Sarcocystis neurona should provide high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of EPM. Animals: Archived samples from 29 clinical patients. Methods: Archived serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from clinical patients with either EPM (14) or cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVM) (15) were examined and tested for anti-S. neurona antibodies by the SnSAG2 ELISA. The results were used to calculate the antibody index (AI) and C-value. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated, and the AI, C-value, immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations, and anti-S. neurona titers compared. In addition, negative CSF was spiked in varying concentrations with blood from a horse with a high anti-S. neurona titer, and the tests repeated. Results: Results demonstrated that the IgG concentration, anti-S. neurona titer, AI, and C-value were significantly higher (P < .05) in horses with EPM than in those with CVM. Sensitivity and specificity of the AI was 71 and 100%, respectively, and that of the C-value was 86 and 100%, respectively. In addition, the AI and C-value from the samples spiked with S. neurona positive blood remained below 1 (eg, negative) in CSF with a red blood cell (RBC) count up to 10(5)  RBC/μL. Conclusions/Clinical Importance: Results of the study demonstrate the value of calculating the AI and C-value in the diagnosis of EPM in horses. In addition, the test is robust in the presence of blood contamination.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC