Name
EVALUATION OF ECUN SEROLOGICAL AND SERUM AMYLOID A TESTING IN GUINEA PIGS
Speakers
Nicolle Nelson-Lofgren, Mountain West Veterinary Specialists
Dr. Carolyn Cray, University of Miami Avian & Wildlife Laboratory
Dr. Carolyn Cray, University of Miami Avian & Wildlife Laboratory
Description
Encephalitozoon cuniculi (ECUN) is a microsporidium that can infect most mammals.
Frequently diagnosed in rabbits where this is a spectrum of different clinical
presentations, ECUN infection in guinea pigs has been less studied. The purpose of
the present study is to evaluate whole antigen and PTP2 antigen ELISA (previously
validated in rabbits) in clinically normal, ECUN suspect, and clinically abnormal (but not
ECUN suspect) guinea pigs. Both IgM and IgG levels will be determined. In addition, a
newly validated assay for the quantitation of serum amyloid A in guinea pigs will be
evaluated for utility both as a single measure and for prognostic value during treatment.
A minimum of n=40 guinea pigs of various breeds will be assessed. Testing will include
complete blood count, basic biochemistry panel, ECUN serological testing, serological
testing for other common guinea pig infectious agents, blood PCR for ECUN, and serum
amyloid A testing. Reference intervals will be generated from normal individuals for all
testing.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)