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Current Research Program
We are actively conducting research with the goal to improve diagnostic options for E. cuniculi infection in rabbits. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated. If you receive a survey, please complete and return it to us as soon as possible. Please also contact Dr. Cray if you have questions or interesting clinical cases to share. Periodically, throughout the year, you may see additional tests added to your routine serological panel. These will be completed at no additional charge to you. Thank you for your help. Our Clients are Our Partners!
About the Assays
The antibody test is performed in the ELISA format using a recombinant antigen called polar tube protein 2 (PTP2). The samples are tested at a screen dilution and absorbance results are reported. CRP is a standardized automated assay providing quantitative results.
Sample Collection and Submission
Fresh non-hemolyzed serum or plasma samples are desirable. Freezing should be considered if delays greater than 2 days are present. All samples should be centrifuged and separated to a size appropriate transport tube even if a gel separator is present in the tube.
Interpretation of Results
It is common to have seropositive (IgG+) rabbits even with normal clinical state. Rabbits with reactivity over 0.60 are considered positive and as the values increase, there is higher specificity of this assay. Values may approach and exceed 2.0. For IgM serostatus, values over 0.50 are considered positive and high values approach 2.0. It is best to interpret these results in conjunction with clinical signs and response to ECUN appropriate treatment. If using the Panel, completely negative/normal results and completely positive/abnormal results provide the highest predictive value.
CRP is a major acute phase protein in rabbits. This biomarker will increase with systemic inflammatory processes. While not diagnostic of ECUN infection, the elevation of this protein will be supportive of infection and results can be interpreted in conjunction with IgG and IgM reactivity. Abnormal IgM and IgG reactivity (see above) in conjunction with an elevated CRP level provides a positive predictive value of 100%. Acute phase proteins can provide key prognostic value. With a positive response to treatment, CRP levels can drop within 24 hours.
References
C. Cray, G. Arcia, S. Kelleher, R. Schneider, and K. Arheart. Application of ELISA and protein electrophoresis in the diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 70(4):478-482, 2009.
C. Cray. New testing option for the diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits. ExoticDVM, 11(2):27-28, 2009.
C. Cray, M. Rodriguez, and Y. Fernandez. Acute phase protein levels in rabbits with suspected Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 22:280-286, 2013.
S. Berger Baldotto, C. Cray, A. Turner Giannico, L. Reifur, and F. Montiani-Ferreira. Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in pet rabbits in Brazil. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 24:435-440, 2015.
C. Cray, S. McKenny, E. Perritt, and K.L. Arheart. Utility of IgM titers with IgG and C-reactive protein quantitation in the diagnosis of suspected Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 24:356-360, 2015.
G. Desoubeaux, A. Pantin, R. Peschke, A. Joachim, and C. Cray. Application of Western blot analysis for the diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits: example of a quantitative approach. Parasitology Research, 116:743-750, 2017.
C, Cray, M.P. Liebl, K. Arheart, R. Peschke, F. Kunzel, and A. Joachim. Comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence test for determination of anti- Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies in sera from rabbits with different clinical and histopathological presentations. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 32:39-42, 2020.