Feline Panleukopenia virus and feline Giardia are common pathogens of gastrointestinal disease in cats.

Similarities

Route of transmission

Direct contact: spread through contact with body fluids (e.g. faeces, saliva) of infected animals.

Indirect contact: spread through contact with contaminated environments or objects.

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal symptoms: diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

Systemic symptoms: drowsiness, weight loss, dehydration.

Preventive Measures:

Good hygiene practices: keep environment clean, avoid contact with infected animals, ensure clean water and food.

Significance of joint diagnosis

Improve diagnostic accuracy

Multiple infections: cats may be infected with multiple pathogens at the same time, and co-diagnosis can more accurately determine the cause of the disease.

Comprehensive symptom assessment: By testing for multiple pathogens, a more complete picture of the cat’s health and the source of symptoms can be obtained.

Optimise treatment options

Targeted treatment: Based on the test results, a more personalised and effective treatment plan can be developed to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Prevention of cross-infection: timely identification and isolation of infected animals to prevent disease transmission and cross-infection.

Reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis

Comprehensive testing: By testing multiple pathogens at the same time, it reduces misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis that may be caused by a single test, and ensures the timeliness and accuracy of treatment.

Detection Methods

Feline Panleukopenia virus

Rapid Antigen Test: A rapid test paper is used to detect viral antigens in faeces. This method is simple and quick, and is suitable for initial clinical screening.

PCR: Detects viral DNA with high sensitivity and specificity and is suitable for confirmatory diagnosis. This method can detect early infection, even before the onset of clinical symptoms.

Serological testing: Detects the level of anti-FPV antibodies, which can be used to determine whether the cat has been previously infected or whether it has been vaccinated.

Feline Giardia

Microscopic examination: the cysts or trophozoites of Giardia flagellates are observed directly in the faecal sample. This method is intuitive but requires a high level of skill and experience.

ELISA: Detects Giardia antigen in faeces with high sensitivity and specificity and is suitable for clinical screening and confirmation of the diagnosis.

Immunofluorescence: Detection of Giardia antigen in faeces using fluorescent antibody technology, with high sensitivity and specificity, but at a higher cost.

PCR: Detection of Giardia lamblia DNA, with high sensitivity and specificity, suitable for confirmatory diagnosis and epidemiological studies.

Feline Panleukopenia Virus/Giardia Antigen Combo Rapid Test

Antigenne has developed a Feline Panleukopenia Virus/Giardia Antigen Combo Rapid Test, which allows for effective co-diagnosis and helps the user to more accurately determine infection in cats.