research institutions nearest you for more information, especially in regard to each test's sensitivity and specificity. While most PCRs are highly sensitive and specific, remember that the presence of DNA can represent contamination of the sample or the presence of nonviable bacteria. Results should be correlated with clinical findings, cytology, histopathology, and even culture when possible
Measures antibodies to various fungi, including Coccidioides sp., Histoplasma sp., and others. Measures presence of Cryptococcus sp. antigen (latex agglutination) and Blastomyces sp. antigen (urine)
Provided by many research institutions and universities. PCRs are available for common dermatologically relevant fungi. Refer to diagnostic laboratories at large research institutions nearest you for more information, especially in regard to each test's sensitivity and specificity
Fungal PCR
IDEXX: Blastomyces dermatitidis RealPCR Test Systemic Mycoses RealPCR Test
Whole blood (EDTA) or deep pharyngeal swab Aspirated material or fresh tissue
Positive indicates the presence of Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA in sample and must be considered with presence of clinical signs consistent with infection. False negative is possible if sample is inadequate or due to antifungal therapy administration Positive indicates presence of DNA from Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides spp., Cryptococcus spp., or Histoplasma capsulatum. False negative possible if sample inadequate or due to antifungal therapy administration
Provided by many research institutions and universities. PCRs are available for common dermatologically relevant fungi. Panfungal PCR for identification and sequencing of numerous fungi is available through some laboratories such as the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Refer to diagnostic laboratories at large research institutions nearest you for more information, especially in regard to each test's sensitivity and specificity. While most PCRs are highly sensitive and specific, remember that presence of DNA can represent contamination of the sample or the presence of nonviable fungi. Results should be correlated with clinical findings, cytology, histopathology, and even culture when possible
Oomycete ELISA
Auburn University Infectious Disease Laboratory Pan American Veterinary Laboratories
Serum
Percent positivity correlates with quantity of anti‐Pythium sp. antibodies in sample
Positive indicates presence of DNA from canine and feline herpesvirus, canine distemper virus, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis virus, or feline coronavirus
Provided by many research institutions and universities. PCRs are available for common dermatologically relevant viruses. Refer to diagnostic laboratories at large research institutions nearest you for more information.
Additional molecular diagnostics
IHC
Commonly used for diagnostic purposes. Provided by many research institutions and universities. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains to distinguish different cellular markers as well as different infectious organisms are available. Refer to commercial and university diagnostic laboratories nearest you for more information
IF
Not commonly used or provided for diagnostic purposes. Immunofluorescence (IF) is primarily used by research institutions to distinguish different cellular markers, autoantibodies, proteins, receptors, and infectious organisms
Flow cytometry
Commonly utilized for diagnostic and research purposes. Provided by many research institutions and universities. Most commonly used for cell sorting of immune cells, particularly when describing and diagnosing certain neoplastic and autoimmune conditions. Refer to diagnostic laboratories at large research institutions nearest you for more information
TEM
Not commonly used or provided for diagnostic purposes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is primarily used by research institutions to distinguish different cellular markers, autoantibodies, proteins, receptors, and infectious organisms
