Direct Detection of Feline Coronavirus by Three Rapid Antigen Immunochromatographic Tests and by Real-Time PCR in Cat Shelters

Overview

Journal Vet Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Veterinary Medicine

Date 2022 Feb 24

PMID 35202289

Authors

Veronika Vojtkovska

Gabriela Lukesova

Eva Voslarova

Jarmila Konvalinova

Vladimir Vecerek

Dana Lobova

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The aim of this study was the direct detection of feline coronavirus by real-time PCR and by three different rapid immunochromatographic (RIM) tests detecting antigens in faecal samples of shelter cats. Based on sensitivity and specificity calculated for each of the RIM tests, the utility of RIM tests was compared. Seventy faecal samples originating from shelter cats housed in quarantine were examined. Out of 70 samples analyzed by real-time PCR, 44 (62.9%) were positive. Significantly more cats ( < 0.05) tested positive than negative. Neither age nor sex of the cats played a significant role ( > 0.05) in the shedding status of the virus. The sensitivity of the RIM tests was found to be at low (<35%; RIM tests A and C) to satisfactory level (>50%, RIM test B). The number of virus particles determined by real-time RT-PCR analysis did not significantly correlate with the results detected by any of the RIM tests ( > 0.05). The results of this study indicate that the use of rapid antigen RIM tests in routine screening of FCoV shedding status in shelter cats is limited due to the occurrence of a high number of false negative results.

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