Comparison of Immunochromatographic Test and Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction as Diagnostic Methods for Canine Parvovirus Infection

Abstract

Canine parvovirus type 2 infection is one of the aetiological agents of contagious gastroenteritis in dogs associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment is very crucial for the survival of infected dog. This study was conducted to compare two diagnostic methods of canine parvovirus. Namely; Immunochromatographic (IC) test and Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Eighty-two (82) faecal specimens were collected per rectum from diarrhoeic dogs presented to various Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals in South Eastern Nigeria between the months of June 2017 – March 2018. Three states, namely Abia, Anambra and Enugu were randomly selected and purposive/convenience sampling method was used to select two clinics/hospitals in each state. The faecal samples were both subjected to IC test and PCR simultaneously. IC test revealed that 83% positivity (68/82), while PCR showed 96% positivity (79/82). The sensitivity of IC test over PCR was 86%, with specificity of 100%, while the positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 21%, positive likely hood ratio 0.86 and negative likely hood ratio 0.14. McNemar test’s showed a significant difference between the two diagnostic methods. PCR was found to be more sensitive than IC test, though IC test is comparable with PCR and can be used in routine daily clinical practice.