Comparative Evaluation of Two Canine Vector-Borne Disease Pathogen PCR Panels

Abstract:

Background: Serology (antibody) testing is typically used for tick-borne pathogen screening by veterinary clinics and laboratories. With the emerging number, One Health importance, and increased range, of vector-borne disease (VBD) pathogens, broad molecular screening panels that include drug resistance testing may be needed and assist determination of clinical management.

Objective: To compare the performance of two canine real-time (qPCR) VBD panels for pathogen screening. Animals: A group of 133 canine remnant whole blood samples from the southeastern United States (US) and Texas were collected. Samples were screened for sufficient blood volume for performance analysis and comparative evaluation.

Methods: Results from both qPCR panels were evaluated to determine frequency of detection for six canine parasites. Frequency calculations included: overall parasites detected, total parasite-positive samples, and co-infections.

Results: A total of 56.4% (75/133) and 54.1% (72/133) parasite pathogens were detected by panel 1 and 2, respectively. Positive samples were described (Table), and for both panels detected positive in 46.6% (62/133). Co-infections were detected by panel 1 and 2, in 9 and 7 samples, respectively. Clinical Importance: These data describe parasite-pathogen proportion positive in this cohort. Our performance comparison indicates a high degree of agreement between two commercially available VBD qPCR panels used for pathogen screening in dogs. Due to evolving vector biology, and increasing One Health importance in the US and Canada, there is a need to continuously update molecular VBD pathogen panels. Broader qPCR panels, that include drug resistance markers, may aid timely clinical decision-making and veterinary antimicrobial stewardship efforts.