Bioguard Babesia spp. Ab test vs. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test

"Bioguard Babesia spp. Ab Test shows 95% sensitivity and 92% specificity."



A study was conducted comparing the Bioguard test to PCR

for a better understanding of the performance of the Bioguard Babesia spp. Ab Test

Introduction

Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne, protozoal, haemoparasitic disease that can cause varying degrees of haemolytic anaemia, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and fever. It is endemic to different parts of the world and presents variable clinical, hematological, and pathological manifestations depending on the species and subspecies involved. There are two hosts for transmitting Babesia spp., viz. invertebrate (tick) and vertebrate host. Dogs are among the many targets of Babesia spp., causing canine babesiosis, and there is clinical evidence of possible vertical transmission too. Babesia spp. can affect dogs of all ages, but young puppies are more vulnerable. Dogs with the parasite or infected by the Babesia spp.can even lead to death if left untreated. The most sensitive test for Babesia spp. is "the PCR test," which is a process that delays results and adds costs. In that regard, Bioguard, to provide the most convenient, accurate, and reliable solution for the animal care industry, has developed the Babesia spp. Ab Test to facilitate mass screening of high‐risk dogs and monitoring response to treatment of infected dogs.

Methodology

A clinical evaluation was conducted at Bioguard reference Laboratory (Taiwan), comparing the results obtained using the Babesia spp. Ab Test to PCR method. PCR is used as the reference method for Babesia spp. Ab Test. The positive and negative samples were obtained from Bioguard Diagnostic Center (Wugu District, New Taipei City, Taiwan), Bruce Animal Hospital (Luzhou District, New Taipei City, Taiwan), and Chung Shan Animal Hospital (Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan). Samples were considered positive if the PCR method indicated a positive result. Samples were considered negative if the PCR method indicated a negative result. Sensitivity is the proportion of all positive samples defined by the PCR method that have a positive test result by Babesia spp.Ab Test. Specificity is the proportion of all negative samples defined by the PCR method that indeed has a negative test result by Babesia spp. Ab Test. The detection limit test was performed by serial dilution of the antibody sample.

Results

The result of the study are shown in the following table (Sample Correlation)

• Relative Sensitivity: 95.05%
• Relative Specificity: 92.24%
• Accuracy: 93.55%

Conclusion

According to the study, the Bioguard Babesia spp. Ab Test is a convenient, accurate, and reliable test with 95.05% sensitivity and 92.24% specificity. Bioguard is dedicated to supporting veterinarians worldwide with the most convenient and highest quality service in the veterinary rapid diagnostic and is ready to launch its new and exclusive Babesia spp. Ab Test soon.