Diagnostic Methods Flashcards
What are the “Find the Parasite” methods?
Flotation
Sedimentation
Baermann
Smears
What are the sensitive methods?
Molecular
Immunological
What is used to diagnose with Find a Parasite Method?
Feces
Vomit
Sputum
Blood
Muscle Biopsy
Skin scrapings
How do you diagnose with the immuno- and molecular diagnostic methods?
Difficult to find parasites
When missing the infection is critical
Antibodies - exposure
Antigens - have the parasite
DNA/RNA - have the parasite
Method selection depends on:
Importance of accurate diagnosis
Availability and accuracy of methods
Cost
Method selection is based on:
Host
The purpose
Clinical signs
An understanding of parasite life cycles
Results interpretation depend on:
Method used
- Antigen - Antibody - PCR - Find - Diagnose
What is involved in a routine screening and developing a prevention program?
Host species
Geographical location
Management system
- Indoor swine/outdoor swine - Indoor cat/outdoor cat - Breeding facility
What are the flotation methods?
Qualitative (yes/no)
Quantitative (count)
Explain antigen detection methods
Identify specific parasite associated compounds
Feces, blood, serum
Enough parasites
Correct sex of the parasite
Standardized antibody + antigen from animal sample + detecting reagent = color
Antigen test = parasite present
Explain antibody detection methods
Identify specific antibodies produced by the host’s immune system
Serum
Immune system
Sufficient exposure time
Standardized antigen + antibody from animal sample + detecting reagent = color
- No color if no antibody
Antibody test = animal has been exposed
- Antibody tests provide a titer
- Must understand life cycle to interpret the test
- Toxoplasma gondii: high titer = no/low shedding in a cat
- Trypanosoma cruzi: high titer = infection
- Dirofilaria immitis: positive titer = exposure
What are the types of methods?
Find the parasite
Sensitive methods
