title: Combining two serological assays optimises sensitivity and specificity for the identification of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi exposure.
abstract: The detection of anti-Streptococcus equi antibodies in the blood serum of horses can assist with the identification of apparently healthy persistently infected carriers and the prevention of strangles outbreaks. The aim of the current study was to use genome sequencing data to develop an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) that targets two S. equi-specific protein fragments. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen A and antigen C iELISAs were compared to an SeM-based iELISA marketed by IDvet - diagnostic Vétérinaire (IDvet). Individually, each assay compromised specificity in order to achieve sufficient sensitivity (SeM iELISA had a sensitivity of 89.9%, but a specificity of only 77.0%) or sensitivity to achieve high specificity. However, combining the results of the antigen A and antigen C iELISAs permitted optimisation of both sensitivity (93.3%) and specificity (99.3%), providing a robust assay for the identification of horses exposed to S. equi.
authors: Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket CB8 7UU, UK.
authors: Carl
authors: C
authors: Robinson
authors: Karen F
authors: KF
authors: Steward
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Potts
authors: Colin
authors: C
authors: Barker
authors: Toni-ann
authors: TA
authors: Hammond
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Pierce
authors: Eggert
authors: E
authors: Gunnarsson
authors: Vilhjálmur
authors: V
authors: Svansson
authors: Josh
authors: J
authors: Slater
authors: J Richard
authors: JR
authors: Newton
authors: Andrew S
authors: AS
authors: Waller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006736:Horses; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000662:veterinary*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D018502:Streptococcus equi
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial
keywords: Horses; Strangles; Streptococcus equi; iELISA