The following descriptions apply only to the tests performed at EDS and these tests may not be the same as similarly named tests at other laboratories.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM):
Sarcocystis neurona western blot

The Sarcocystis neurona standard western blot performed  at EDS is based on the method developed and validated at the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky (Dr. David Granstrom 1993).  It detects the IgG antibody response to specific S. neurona antigens resulting from exposure to and infection by the parasite.  Results are semi-quantified (positive, low positive, weak positive, negative) based on intensity and the specific antigen banding patterns as compared to control sera or CSF.

Sarcocystis neurona PCR

The PCR test detects S.neurona DNA and thus the actual presence of the parasite.  This assay is performed on CSF and is best used in conjunction with the western blot test.

NEW:

Sarcocystis neurona Titer (Sarcocystis neurona ELISA)

This assay has been developed in the lab of Dr. Dan Howe at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center and will soon be available exclusively at EDS.  An endpoint titer will provide quantified results based on IgG response to three S. neurona specific antigens.  These antigens have shown to correlate with the standard western blot, clinical diagnosis and necropsy.  Please inquire.

Neospora hughesii ELISA and western blot

These assays will be available soon at EDS.  Please inquire.

CSF Index

The CSF index is performed on paired serum and CSF samples.  This test can help discern an intrathecal IgG response from contamination by utilizing a ratio of serum and CSF albumin and IgG levels. 

Streptococcus equi (strangles):
Streptococcus equi PCR

The PCR test detects S. equi bacterial DNA and is used primarily to identify asymptomatic carriers.  It is an effective screening tool for systematically evaluating and managing resident and new horses on a property to control and prevent potential outbreaks.  Nasal washes, nasal swabs or guttural pouch washes are appropriate samples for the S. equi PCR.   Back up culture is also available.

Streptococcus equi SEM ELISA

The SeM ELISA test was developed at the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky (Dr. John Timoney) and assesses the IgG  endpoint titer against the highly immunogenic S. equi specific M protein.  It is helpful for making vaccination decisions on horses with existing titers, identifying horses at risk of complications due to elevated titers, or for horses with aberrant abscesses (bastard strangles).

West Nile Virus (WNV) IgM ELISA:

The IgM ELISA test is used to detect recent exposure to the virus.  This assay is also part of our neurologic panel of tests.

• Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV):
• EIA AGID
• EIA c-ELISA

EDS is a federally accredited lab for this regulated testing and offers both approved test formats:   AGID (Coggins) and ELISA.  Please submit a fully completed and signed form with each sample.

Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) Type 1 PCR:

The PCR test detects EHV-1 strains and will also distinguish if the ORF30 (DNA polymerase gene) mutation is present.  The presence of this mutation has a high correlation with the neurological form of this disease.   EDS recommends submission of both whole blood and a nasal swab.

Rhodococcus equi (foal pneumonia) PCR:

The PCR test identifies strains of R. equi by detecting the virulence plasmid gene vapA.  The vapA gene is highly associated with the ability to cause clinical disease.  Back up culture is also available.

Salmonella spp. PCR:

The PCR test detects DNA from pathogenic species of Salmonella and can be used as a bio-surveillance tool for the identification of asymptomatic/shedding horses.   This assay is also useful for the monitoring of in-patients in a hospital setting.  Back up culture is also available.

Panels and Profiles:

Several combinations of different, but complementary, tests are also available.  Please refer to the service list for a complete listing.