A new Lyme disease test at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University combines the results previously obtained by ELISA and Western blotting. The advantages of the new multiplex test compared to the previous procedure are:
- increased specificity and sensitivity
- quantitative measurement of individual antigens
- improved assay results distinguishing between
The test result provides advanced information beyond any of the current Lyme testing methods. The testing allows a better definition of the horse’s current infection status and assists in determining treatment options. The infection status can also be determined in vaccinated horses.
Special considerations for vaccinated horses
The new Lyme multiplex assay can distinguish between vaccinated and infected horses. To provide our clients with the best interpretation for each animal, we need information on the vaccine used. This includes the name of the vaccine and when the horse was last vaccinated. Please include this information on the accession form when a sample of a vaccinated horse is submitted for testing.
Neuroborreliosis in horses
Research at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center has shown that the Lyme multiplex assay can identify antibodies to B. burgdorferi in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to confirm neuroborreliosis in horses11 and to distinguish it from other causes of neurologic disease.
The diagnosis is based on the identification of antibodies to Osp antigens that are locally produced in neural tissues. This diagnostic approach requires a comparison of serum and CSF fluid from the same horse.
For horses with neurological signs, a serum and CSF sample should be obtained at the same time and submitted together.