Borrelia: infected or not infected?
The
new C technology for a
more effective diagnostic testing for canine Borreliosis
Due to the variable clinical picture of the infection with Borrelia
burgdorferi, diagnostic testing for canine borreliosis is still a
challenge for veterinarians. Tests may either directly detect the
organism or measure the anti-bodies to Borrelia. The traditional
two-tiered approach consists of the measurement of antibodies to
the whole Borrelia burgdorferi organism (whole-cell antibody
testing/ELISA) combined with further characterizing of positive
dogs using a Western Blot.
The C ELISA technology
sets new standards
The qualitative
C test is a screening tool that enables
veterinarians to diagnose active Borrelia infection and at the same
time distinguish natural exposure from vaccination. In addition,
the quantitative Quant C ELISA helps to decide on a therapeutic
plan and to monitor your treatment choice.
C
technology or traditional two-tiered diagnostics?
For the reasons mentioned above, the traditional two-tiered
diagnostic approach should be chosen for all animals treated with
antibiotics active against Borrelia (e.g. doxycycline, amoxicillin)
within the previous months. An antibiotic therapy initiated some
weeks prior to blood sampling does not influence C test results. Animals with clinically
manifest borreliosis may have positive C antibody levels despite antibiotic
treatment. In vaccinated animals, C determination is the test of choice,
because vaccination does not produce an increase of C antibodies.
What is C?
The new C technology is based on recognition of
antibodies to the C peptide, a highly specific conserved
immunodominant portion of the VIsE outer-surface antigen of
Borrelia burgdorferi. The C technology enables identification of a
specific antibody produced during active infection with the
organism.
C identifies early infection
The new C antibody test yields Borrelia-positive
results only if live vital Borrelia organisms are detected in the
mammal. In most cases, the test is positive as early as 3 weeks
after the tick bite.
No
cross-reactivity
C does not cross-react with other
spirochetes (e.g. leptospires) or with vaccine-induced antibodies.
This makes it easy to clearly distinguish between vaccination and
field infection.
Monitor
treatment effectiveness
After successful therapy, C antibody levels decline sharply and much
faster than the whole-cell antibodies against Borrelia. To assess
response to treatment we recommend retesting at 3 to 6 months after
initial therapy.
No more
chances for borreliosis
Thanks to the innovative C technology, antibodies to Borrelia
burgdorferi can be reliably detected also in vaccinated dogs.*
*For the reasons mentioned above, the traditional two-tiered
diagnostic approach should be chosen for all animals treated with
antibiotics active against Borrelia (e.g. doxycycline, amoxicillin)
during the previous months. An antibiotic therapy initiated some
weeks prior to blood sampling does not influence the C test
results. Animals with clinically manifest borreliosis may have
positive C antibody levels despite antibiotic treatment.
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