Comparison of serological methods and blood culture for detection of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in raccoons (Procyon lotor).
The indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were compared with blood culture for the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in 83 raccoons (Procyon lotor) trapped in 4 counties of southeast Georgia. Both IFAT and ELISA detected 24 of 25 culture-positive samples (96% sensitivity). Cultures from 25 raccoons (30%) were positive for epimastigotes, whereas a total of 50 raccoons (60%) was seropositive by either the IFAT or ELISA. Forty-five of 83 serum samples (54%) were positive for anti-T. cruzi antibodies with the ELISA, and 47 were IFAT positive (57%). Forty-two of the 50 seropositive raccoons (84%) were seropositive by both tests. Endpoint titers of IFAT-positive samples were determined by testing doubling dilutions from 1:40 to 1:1280. High titers of 640 and 320 were observed for 4 raccoons trapped in 1 county (St. Catherines Island, Liberty County) and titers of 160 for 1-2 raccoons from each of the 4 counties sampled. IFAT titers and ELISA optical density values were positively correlated. Both serological tests have a high sensitivity and should be excellent tools for studying the prevalence of T. cruzi in wildlife populations.
Yabsley
M J
MJ
Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, South Carolina 29634-0326, USA.
Noblet
G P
GP
Pung
O J
OJ
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000662:veterinary; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / Q000662:veterinary; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D018512:Parasitemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D011821:Raccoons / Q000097:blood / Q000469:parasitology*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan