title: Comparison of serologic tests for detection of antigen in canine heartworm infections.
abstract: In 30 random-source dogs, we determined sensitivity and specificity of 5 serologic tests for detection of canine heartworm antigens. Seventeen of the dogs were infected naturally with adult Dirofilaria immitis, and 4 of the infected dogs were amicrofilaremic. The ability of the serologic tests to predict whether a dog was infected or uninfected (overall test accuracy) ranged from 73 to 97%. Sensitivity was not affected by circulating D immitis microfilariae, but was markedly influenced by the number of adult D immitis present. False-positive reactions were rare and were not associated with intestinal parasites or Dipetalonema reconditum microfilariae. Modifications of some of the test procedures were necessary to maximize test accuracy and reproducibility. These modifications and other technical details might limit the usefulness of some of the tests in a veterinary practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Brunner
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Hendrix
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Blagburn
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Hanrahan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000032:analysis*; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000276:immunology*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005370:Filarioidea / Q000276:immunology*; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
chemical_list: D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic