< Canine Health Bytes On Demand: Vector-borne disease diagnostics ...

 

Vector-borne disease diagnostics: From "ruff" to "purrfect"

 

 

Pedro P. Diniz, DVM, PhD

 

Now available for viewing On Demand

Running time: 44 mins

 

Worldwide, diseases that are transmitted by ticks and fleas to companion animals continue to expand in frequency and geographic distribution. While a positive test result for a vector-borne disease greatly helps the clinician in providing appropriate care, a negative test result always introduces extra challenges. Nowadays, serology and PCR are well-established methods used to diagnose vector-borne diseases (VBDs), but certain limitations of these assays impact the detection of pathogens and our ability to make a correct diagnosis.

The massively parallel sequencing technology known as next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized biological sciences. It has become a key tool in detecting and characterizing infectious diseases in humans, such as the SARS-Cov2 virus. NGS is soon to become an important tool in veterinary medicine as well.

The focus of this presentation is vector-borne disease (VBD) diagnosis and the discussion will include:

  • What is working well and what needs to be improved in VBD diagnostics
  • The “sample-volume paradox” of PCR assays and current efforts to address it
  • How next-generation sequencing works, its advantages and limitations for VBD detection
  • Best practices when interpreting serology and PCR results for VBDs

 

Brought to you by

 


Veterinary Professionals can earn AAVSB RACE, NY State, and NJVMA-approved CE credit on a pay-per-view basis or inclusive of a VetVine Premium Membership.