Nagwa Elghryani, Conor G McAloon, Geetika Lahan, Trish McOwan, Theo de Waal
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Abstract
Background: Companion animals are infected with a range of helminth and protozoan parasites which can have a significant effect on health and welfare. While several diagnostic techniques are available to detect parasitic infection, they all vary in sensitivity and specificity. This study aims to estimate the diagnostic performance of the OvaCyte™ Pet Analyser by comparing it with established benchmarks commonly used in reference laboratories.
Methods: A total of 141 canine faecal samples, containing at least one species of parasite after screening using double centrifugation, were tested using four index tests: centrifugal flotation (faeces weighing either 1 g or 2 g), passive flotation, and the OvaCyte™ technique. The true status of each sample was determined on the basis of the initial screening test and the aggregated result of the four index tests. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each of the four index tests.
Results: The OvaCyte™ Pet Analyser displayed high sensitivity ranging from 90% to 100% in detecting various parasite species in canines. Its sensitivity for roundworm and hookworm detection differed significantly from centrifugal flotation using 1 g and passive flotation techniques (P < 0.05). The OvaCyte™ demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting Cystoisospora spp. (90%) and Capillaria spp. (100%) compared to all flotation methods (P < 0.001), though it showed slightly lower specificity than the other techniques.
Conclusions: These results highlight the variability in sensitivity across different diagnostic methods, underscoring the importance of selecting the most reliable technique for accurate parasite detection in veterinary practice. However, the OvaCyte™ Pet Analyser exhibits an elevated level of sensitivity compared to other techniques.
期刊介绍：
Parasites & Vectors is an open access, peer-reviewed online journal dealing with the biology of parasites, parasitic diseases, intermediate hosts, vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Manuscripts published in this journal will be available to all worldwide, with no barriers to access, immediately following acceptance. However, authors retain the copyright of their material and may use it, or distribute it, as they wish.
Manuscripts on all aspects of the basic and applied biology of parasites, intermediate hosts, vectors and vector-borne pathogens will be considered. In addition to the traditional and well-established areas of science in these fields, we also aim to provide a vehicle for publication of the rapidly developing resources and technology in parasite, intermediate host and vector genomics and their impacts on biological research. We are able to publish large datasets and extensive results, frequently associated with genomic and post-genomic technologies, which are not readily accommodated in traditional journals. Manuscripts addressing broader issues, for example economics, social sciences and global climate change in relation to parasites, vectors and disease control, are also welcomed.
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