Changes

Where further diagnostic tests are available they may be commercial or more experimental. Such tests can be used to improve both diagnosis and epidemiological understanding of the disease. Diagnostic tests for the diseases in this section are either serological (based on antibody detection) or aimed at detection of the infectious agents or their components.

Where further diagnostic tests are available they may be commercial or more experimental. Such tests can be used to improve both diagnosis and epidemiological understanding of the disease. Diagnostic tests for the diseases in this section are either serological (based on antibody detection) or aimed at detection of the infectious agents or their components.

<u>Diseases often manifest subclinically in donkeys.</u> Hence, auxiliary blood tests are useful to provide evidence of current or past infection. Serologic tests must be carried out after an adequate time period following infection. For donkeys, the required time lag may differ from horses. For example, studies show that, when using the '''agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID)''' or '''Coggins test''', antibodies for [[Donkey - Equine Infectious Anaemia|Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)]] are detected later in the donkey than in the horse (Rattan ''et al.'', 1998; Cook ''et al.'', 2001). In complement fixation tests, the sera of donkeys and mules may give inconsistent or non-specific reaction because of the anti-complementary effect.

<u>Diseases often manifest subclinically in donkeys.</u> Hence, auxiliary blood tests are useful to provide evidence of current or past infection. Serologic tests must be carried out after an adequate time period following infection. For donkeys, the required time lag may differ from horses. For example, studies show that, when using the '''agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID)''' or '''Coggins test''', antibodies for [[Equine Infectious Anaemia - Donkey|Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)]] are detected later in the donkey than in the horse (Rattan ''et al.'', 1998; Cook ''et al.'', 2001). In complement fixation tests, the sera of donkeys and mules may give inconsistent or non-specific reaction because of the anti-complementary effect.

Results of serologic tests must be considered in context. For example, antibodies can be present for significant and variable periods following infection and also in response to vaccination. The analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of such tests must also be considered when interpreting individual status and when investigating seroprevalence. Many of the tests have been validated for horses but not donkeys and so caution is needed in interpretation.

Results of serologic tests must be considered in context. For example, antibodies can be present for significant and variable periods following infection and also in response to vaccination. The analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of such tests must also be considered when interpreting individual status and when investigating seroprevalence. Many of the tests have been validated for horses but not donkeys and so caution is needed in interpretation.