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
Running time: 44 mins
1) Register for free (you will not be eligible to earn CE credit) by following this link:
https://www.vetvine.com/article/696
- OR -
2) Free Registration for Premium VetVine Membership subscribers or $28 (pay-per-view and to be eligible to earn 1 hr CE credit).
