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Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
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RAPID POINT-OF-CARE TESTING FOR DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN BLACK VULTURES AND RING-BILLED GULLS
Alexa Rosypal von Dohlen1, Sydney Randall1, Jordyan Grays1
1Department of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina 28216.
The Journal of Parasitology
|May 27, 2024
Summary
A human point-of-care (POC) test accurately detected Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in scavenging birds. This rapid test shows promise for wildlife disease surveillance, aiding environmental T. gondii monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread zoonotic parasite affecting numerous animal species, including birds.
- Scavenging birds serve as crucial environmental indicators for T. gondii presence due to their feeding habits.
- A human-use rapid point-of-care (POC) test for T. gondii antibodies is commercially available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a human POC test for detecting T. gondii antibodies in avian species.
- To compare POC test results with a standard serological method (MAT) in black vultures and ring-billed gulls.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 106 black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and 23 ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) were tested.
- A blinded comparison was conducted between the human POC test and the modified agglutination test (MAT).
- Sensitivity and specificity of the POC test were calculated for both species combined.
Main Results:
- The POC test detected T. gondii antibodies in 2.8% of black vultures and 60.9% of ring-billed gulls.
- Overall sensitivity and specificity of the POC test were high, at 95.7% and 95.5%, respectively.
- Minor discrepancies (one false-positive, several false-negatives at low titers) were noted compared to MAT.
Conclusions:
- Human POC tests can effectively detect T. gondii antibodies in birds, demonstrating significant diagnostic accuracy.
- This study is the first to validate human POC tests for T. gondii serosurveillance in avian populations.
- Further research is warranted to establish the rapid test as a reliable tool for wildlife disease monitoring.
