Coproantigen Detection Augments Diagnosis of Common Nematode Infections in Dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary diagnostics
• Parasitology
• Companion animal health

Background:

• Microscopic flotation methods are standard for detecting parasite eggs in companion animal feces.
• Coproantigen ELISAs offer a newer approach to detect intestinal nematode infections by identifying excretory/secretory products.
• These assays can identify infections when eggs are not found via flotation, such as during prepatent periods or intermittent shedding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the added diagnostic benefit of coproantigen ELISA tests in canine fecal analysis.
• To compare the sensitivity and accuracy of coproantigen ELISA against traditional flotation methods.

Main Methods:

• A total of 1202 canine fecal samples were collected from shelter and pet dogs.
• Samples were analyzed using centrifugal flotation with an expert examiner (CFE) and passive flotation with a less experienced examiner.
• All samples were also tested using coproantigen ELISA for ascarid, hookworm, and whipworm antigens.

Main Results:

• CFE identified 58 ascarid, 229 hookworm, and 95 whipworm infections.
• Coproantigen ELISA detected additional positive cases not identified by CFE: 8 ascarid, 82 hookworm, and 22 whipworm infections.
• Combining passive flotation with coproantigen ELISA improved agreement with CFE, indicating enhanced detection sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Coproantigen ELISA tests significantly increase the detection rate of canine intestinal nematode infections.
• Complementary diagnostic methods, such as combining ELISA with expert-led centrifugal flotation, enhance diagnostic sensitivity.
• A comprehensive approach integrating coproantigen assays and expert microscopic examination is recommended for optimal detection of common canine nematode infections.