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ECUN Serological Testing

Avian & Wildlife Laboratory

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The Client Services Division is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST.  We are ready to help you with all your questions.
Phone: 800-596-7390 Phone: 305-243-6700 Email
Encephalitozoon cuniculi (ECUN) is an obligate parasite related to fungi that can infected all mammalian species. In rabbits, this organism can cause acute, chronic, and recurring disease. ECUN is a major focus of our clinical research program and we strive to validate and implement the best assays for the care of rabbits.

ECUN 360: A Virtual Conference on E. cuniculi – Live Session October 5

While a tremendous body of literature on Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits is available, diagnosis and successful treatment remains challenging. The primary goal of this workshop is to provide a robust foundation of information on E. cuniculi joining together biologists, researchers, pathologists, and clinicians. Learn more about this conference.

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.