The Feline Respiratory Panel PCR Kit from AffiVET is a highly specialized diagnostic tool designed for the rapid and accurate detection of multiple pathogens that cause respiratory infections in cats. This section provides an in-depth look at the features, technical specifications, and clinical applications of this kit.
Comprehensive Detection Capabilities
The panel includes assays for the following pathogens:
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
A common cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats.
Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FeHV-1)
Another major pathogen responsible for respiratory diseases, often leading to chronic infections.
Mycoplasma spp
Bacteria that can contribute to respiratory issues, often secondary to viral infections.
Chlamydia spp
Typically causes conjunctivitis but can also be involved in respiratory disease.
Bordetella bronchiseptica
A bacterium that can cause respiratory infections, especially in environments with high feline population density (Purdue Vet Med) (EveryCat Health Foundation).
Technical Specifications and Procedures
Specimen Collection
Preferred specimens include oropharyngeal, ocular (conjunctival), or nasal swabs.
Synthetic swabs (Dacron/polyester) are recommended for sample collection.
Swabs should be placed in a sterile, leak-proof tube with 0.5 ml of sterile saline to maintain the integrity of the sample during transport (PCR Lab).
Shipping and Handling
Samples must be shipped overnight in insulated shippers with ice packs to prevent degradation.
Proper packaging with absorptive material to collect moisture is essential.
All containers should be clearly labeled with the appropriate information, including Animal ID, Owner Name, Veterinarian, Sample Type, and Date (Purdue Vet Med).
Testing Process
The turnaround time for results is typically 2-3 business days.
Testing is conducted on specific days of the week, generally Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, to ensure timely processing and reporting (PCR Lab).
Real-Time PCR Technology
The panel employs real-time PCR (qPCR), a technology known for its high sensitivity and specificity.
This method allows for the detection of even low levels of viral and bacterial DNA, which is crucial for early diagnosis and management of infections (EveryCat Health Foundation).
Clinical Applications
The Feline Respiratory Panel PCR Kit is particularly useful in various clinical and field settings:
Veterinary Clinics
Enables veterinarians to quickly diagnose and treat respiratory infections, improving patient outcomes.
Helps in differentiating between various pathogens, leading to targeted therapies and better management of resources.
Shelters and Rescue Organizations
Ideal for environments with high feline populations, where rapid spread of respiratory infections can occur.
Assists in implementing quarantine measures and controlling outbreaks effectively (Purdue Vet Med).
Research Laboratories
Provides reliable data for studies on feline respiratory diseases.
Facilitates understanding of pathogen prevalence and the effectiveness of various treatment protocols.
Sensitivity and Specificity
The real-time PCR assays included in this panel are designed to provide highly accurate results:
Sensitivity
The ability to detect very small quantities of pathogen DNA reduces the chances of false negatives, ensuring that even subclinical infections are identified.
Specificity
High specificity minimizes false positives, which is critical for distinguishing between vaccine strains and wild-type strains of viruses, especially in recently vaccinated cats (EveryCat Health Foundation) (PCR Lab).
In conclusion the Feline Respiratory Panel PCR Kit from AffiVET is a robust diagnostic tool that enhances the ability of veterinarians and researchers to detect and manage feline respiratory infections. Its comprehensive detection capabilities, coupled with the precision of real-time PCR technology, make it an invaluable asset in the fight against respiratory diseases in cats.
The Feline Respiratory Panel PCR Kit AffiVET is a reliable and user-friendly tool for rapid detection of common respiratory pathogens in cats. Its high sensitivity and specificity make it an invaluable asset for veterinary clinics, enabling timely diagnosis and management of feline respiratory infections. Implementation of this kit may aid in reducing disease morbidity and transmission within feline populations.