Evaluation of a novel diagnostic test for canine parvovirus.

The CPV ELISA detection kit (CSL Ltd., Melbourne Australia) was developed as a rapid field test for the detection of canine parvovirus (CPV) antigen in canine faecal samples. The kit utilises a novel concept in enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) where the conjugate is lyophilised along with the solid-phase capture antibody in the test well. The CPV ELISA was compared to the haemagglutination assay (HA) test using electron microscopy (EM) and/or virus isolation (VI) to confirm infection. The CPV ELISA had a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 100% compared to 87% and 63% respectively for the HA. The poor specificity of the HA results in a low positive predictive value of 51% compared to 100% for the CPV ELISA. The CPV ELISA requires no specialised equipment, is simple to perform and provides a visible result in less than 15 minutes.