Equine Tick-borne Disease (EHR-LYME-ANA) Ab Combo Rapid Test
Tick bites pose a significant health threat to horses, capable of transmitting multiple pathogens simultaneously and causing complex, overlapping clinical diseases. This product employs multiplex immunochromatographic technology, integrating three independent detection channels on a single test card. It enables the synchronous, rapid, and qualitative detection of specific antibodies against three key tick-borne pathogens in equine serum, plasma, or whole blood samples: Equine Ehrlichia (Ehrlichia spp., primarily E. equi, now classified as an Anaplasma), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease agent), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This test is designed to provide an efficient screening tool for clinical practice, aiding in the differentiation of unexplained fever, lethargy, joint issues, and neurological signs, and assessing a horse's exposure history and potential active infection with these tick-borne di
I. Core Value & Clinical Significance
Addressing the Risk of Mixed Tick-borne Infections: Horses in the same area may be bitten by ticks carrying different pathogens, leading to co-infections or sequential infections. The triple test card screens for three common tick-borne diseases in one step, providing a comprehensive overview of the horse's serological exposure status, avoiding missed diagnoses from single-pathogen tests, and offering clues to interpret complex clinical presentations.
Differential Diagnosis of Non-Specific Symptoms: All three diseases can cause non-specific signs such as fever, lethargy, anorexia, limb stiffness, or lameness. Rapidly distinguishing the etiology is crucial for determining the correct treatment plan: Lyme disease may require long-term antibiotic therapy, while Ehrlichia/Anaplasma infections typically respond well to tetracycline-class drugs.
Evaluating Potential Causes of Neurological Signs: Lyme disease is a known important tick-borne cause of neurological symptoms in horses (e.g., meningitis, facial nerve paralysis, ataxia). For horses presenting with neurological signs, this test serves as a vital differential diagnostic tool.
Screening in Endemic Areas & Health Management: For horses living in tick-active regions, with a history of field exposure, or scheduled for inter-regional competitions, regular triple screening is an essential component of preventive medicine and comprehensive health assessment.
II. Test Items, Targets & Key Interpretation Points
| Test Item (Abbr.) | Target Pathogen | Detection Marker | Clinical Association & Interpretation Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHR (Ehrlichia) | Equine Ehrlichia (now mostly classified as Anaplasma) | Specific Antibody (IgG) | Suggests past or current infection. Can cause periodic fever, depression, limb edema, and hemorrhagic tendencies. Interpretation of active disease requires correlation with clinical signs. |
| LYME (Lyme) | Borrelia burgdorferi | Specific Antibody (IgG) | Indicates exposure to the Lyme disease spirochete. Positive results require cautious interpretation: they may represent past infection, active infection, or exposure without disease. The correlation between clinical signs and antibody titers in equine Lyme disease is variable. Diagnosis requires synthesis of epidemiological history, clinical signs, and response to treatment. |
| ANA (Anaplasma) | Anaplasma phagocytophilum | Specific Antibody (IgG) | Suggests past or current infection. Symptoms are similar to Ehrlichia infection, including fever, lethargy, thrombocytopenia, etc. |
Important Note: This test card detects IgG antibodies against the three pathogens. A positive antibody result indicates the horse's immune system has been exposed to the respective pathogen, but cannot alone differentiate between past infection, subclinical infection, or current active infection. Clinical diagnosis must integrate detailed history, clinical signs, other laboratory findings (e.g., complete blood count), and response to treatment.
III. Operation & Result Interpretation
Simple Procedure:
Sampling: Aseptically collect equine venous blood, separate serum or plasma, or use anticoagulated whole blood.
Sample Addition: Vertically add the specified volume (usually 1-2 drops) of sample to the test card sample well (S well).
Buffer Addition: Immediately add the配套 buffer.
Interpretation: Read results under sufficient light within 15-20 minutes.
Result Interpretation (Each test line is clearly marked "EHR", "LYME", "ANA"):
Triple Negative: Only the Control line (C) is visible. All three test lines are not visible.
Single Positive: C line is visible, and the corresponding single test line is visible.
Multiple Positive: C line is visible, and two or more test lines are simultaneously visible (suggesting multiple exposures or co-infection).
Invalid: Control line (C) is not visible. Repeat test with a new device.
IV. Important Clinical Notes & Limitations
Auxiliary Diagnostic Tool: This product is an excellent screening and auxiliary diagnostic tool. Positive results should be considered "evidence of exposure" rather than "disease confirmation". Especially for a positive Lyme antibody result in the absence of typical clinical signs (e.g., characteristic erythema migrans, arthritis, neurological signs), its significance is limited, and over-interpretation and treatment should be avoided.
Antibody Window Period & Persistence: Antibody production requires time post-infection (typically 2-4 weeks); testing during this window period may yield negative results. Conversely, antibodies can persist for months or even years after infection, so a positive result does not prove recent infection.
Vaccination Interference: Commercial Lyme disease vaccines are available for horses. Vaccination will cause a positive Lyme antibody test result and may interfere with tests based on whole-cell or OspA/OspC antigens. The horse's complete vaccination history must be known prior to testing.
Geographical Variations & Cross-Reactivity: The predominant subtypes or strains of tick-borne pathogens may vary by region, potentially affecting test sensitivity. In rare instances, serological cross-reactivity with other spirochetes or pathogens may occur.
V. Storage & Specifications
Storage Conditions: Store sealed at 2-30°C in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.
Shelf Life: 24 months.
Packaging: 10 tests/box. Contains test cards, buffer, droppers, and instructions for use.