West Nile Virus IgM (ELISA) – Equine
The West Nile Virus (WNV) IgM ELISA is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test designed to detect IgM antibodies against West Nile Virus in equine serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). WNV is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes neurological disease in horses, with clinical signs ranging from fever, ataxia, and muscle tremors to severe encephalitis, recumbency, and, in some cases, death. Early diagnosis is critical to implementing supportive care and mitigating disease severity.The IgM ELISA is particularly effective for identifying recent or acute WNV infections, as IgM antibodies are the first to appear following infection and indicate an active immune response. This test is a valuable tool for differentiating WNV from other neurological diseases, such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) or rabies, which can present with overlapping clinical signs.
Test name
West Nile Virus IgM (ELISA) – Equine
Test Code
E170
Section
Immunodiagnostics
Species
Equine
Specimen
2 ml Serum
Collection Guidelines
- Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
- Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as “serum.”
- Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
- Unspun samples will not be accepted.
- Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.
Turnaround time
14-21 days
Packing Instructions
Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label. Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
References
- Long, M.T., et al. “Diagnostic Advances in West Nile Virus Infections in Equine Populations: The Role of IgM ELISA.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021.
- Pusterla, N., et al. “West Nile Virus in Horses: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Control.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2022.
- Hinchcliff, K.W., et al. “Serological Diagnostics for West Nile Virus: Applications of IgM Testing in Equines.” Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2023.
