An evaluation of 4 commercially available ELISA kits for the diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Serum samples from 100 impounded dogs were used to evaluate 4 commercial ELISA [enzyme linked immunosorbent assay] kits available from the diagnosis of D. immitis. The kits were assessed on sensitivity (the ability to identify infected dogs), specificity (the ability to identify uninfected dogs) and accuracy (sensitivity plus specificity). The kits varied in sensitivity from 36-86%, in specificity from 44-70% and in accuracy from 53-65%. The sensitivity was not affected by the age of the dogs, nor by the number of circulating microfilariae. The kits were most specific when testing the youngest dogs (< 3 yr). The problems associated with the serological diagnosis of D. immitis infection in practice are discussed.