Serologic and Molecular Tests
The Pan American Veterinary Laboratories www.pavlab.com, Tel: 800-856-9655 offers three serological tests to diagnose the infections caused by Pythium insidiosum in cats, dogs, horses, and humans. The following serological test can be requested:
Immunodiffusion test (ID) This is a very specific but insensitive (false negatives) test for pythiosis. Dogs and humans are usually negative in this test. It is recommended in cases of horses with suspected pythiosis. About 40% of dogs and human with active pythiosis reacted negative in ID.
ELISA. This is sensitive and specific test for pythiosis in all species.
Fluorescent Antibodies for tissue samples. This is a very specific and sensitive test. It detects the hyphae of P. insidiosum in the infected tissues.
PCR for tissue samples. This is a very sensitive test recommended when culture is not possible.
Culture, and identification of P. insidiosum from clinical samples is also available.
