Assessing Vaccinal Immunity

The Synbiotics TiterCHEK is an ELISA test method for measuring the presence of antibodies to the vaccine antigens Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2) and Canine Distemper virus. The purpose of the test is to assess vaccinal immunity directed against Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and Canine Parvovirus (CPV). It is not designed to determine whether a dog is currently infected with either virus.

Results:

CDV
A positive test result indicates Serum Neutralisation Titre (SNT) of 1:16 or greater. A negative result indicates a level of less than 1:16. SNT is the gold standard for this assay.

CPV
A positive test indicates a Haemagglutination Inhibition Titre (HIT) of 1:80 or greater. A negative result indicates a level of less than 1:80.

The tests may be affected by severe haemolysis and lipaemia, increasing the background colour which may cause a false positive result. Dogs that have a negative result on the test are not protected from infection, but they may be protected from clinical disease since anamanestic antibody or cellular response could protect them from disease.

Sensitivity and Specificity:

The manufacturers asked 3 veterinary laboratories to perform both tests.

CDV ELISA vs. CVD SNT
Sensitivity i.e. % with titres ≥ 1:16 ranged from 77% to 98% (n = 53 to 99)
Specificity i.e. % with titres <1:16 ranged from 88% to 100% (n= 8 to 57)

CPV ELISA vs. CPV HIT
Sensitivity i.e. titres ≥ 1:80 ranged from 75% to 95% (n = 51 to 103)
Specificity i.e. titres < 1:80 ranged from 95% to 100% (n = 44 to 69)

The test should be useful in general investigations into a dog’s immune system, especially after completion of the first series of puppy vaccinations, as not all dogs will produce protective antibodies after vaccination. Knowing that an animal is vulnerable to these diseases would be important information to owners as well as to vets.

Sample required: Red top or EDTA

Turn-around time: 7 days

Cost of testing: Please refer to current price book