Feline calicivirus antigen detection reagent

I. Overview

The feline calicivirus antigen detection reagent is a tool used to detect whether cats are infected with calicivirus (FCV). It plays an important role in pet medical diagnosis and can help veterinarians quickly and accurately determine the infection status of cats.

II. Detection Principle

1. Immunochromatography Principle
   • This reagent is usually based on immunochromatography technology. There are a test line (T – line) and a control line (C – line) on the test strip. Specific antibodies against feline calicivirus antigens are pre – coated on the test strip.
   • When the collected cat samples (such as oral swabs, nasal swabs, etc.) are added to the sample pad of the test strip, the samples move along the test strip by capillary action.
   • If calicivirus antigens exist in the sample, the antigens will combine with the labeled antibodies (commonly labeled with colloidal gold) on the test strip to form antigen – antibody complexes. When these complexes move to the test line, they will be captured by another specific antibody pre – coated on the T – line, resulting in a visible band (such as red or purple) at the test line.
   • Regardless of whether there are virus antigens in the sample, other components of the sample will cause the labeled antibodies to continue to move, and finally combine with the pre – coated anti – marker antibodies at the control line to form a band, which is used to determine the validity of the test strip. If no band appears on the control line, regardless of the result of the test line, the test result is invalid.

III. Components

1. Test Strip
   • It is a key component of the test, including a sample pad, a conjugate pad (with labeled antibodies), a nitrocellulose membrane (with antibody coatings on the T – line and C – line), and an absorbent pad.
2. Sample Collection Tools
   • Such as oral swabs and nasal swabs, which are used to collect samples from the cat’s mouth or nose.
3. Sample Diluent
   • When the sample concentration is too high and may affect the test result, it is used to dilute the sample so that the concentration of virus antigens in the sample is within an appropriate detection range.
4. Positive and Negative Controls
   • The positive control is a sample containing known feline calicivirus antigens and is used to verify the accuracy of the kit’s positive detection results. The negative control is a sample without virus antigens and is used to exclude false – positive results to ensure the reliability of the test.

IV. Detection Steps

1. Sample Collection
   • Use an oral swab to thoroughly wipe the inside of the cat’s mouth, especially areas such as the gums and buccal mucosa, or use a nasal swab to gently rotate inside the nose to collect samples.
2. Sample Treatment (if necessary)
   • If the sample is too thick or there may be interfering substances, dilute it with the sample diluent according to the proportion specified in the instructions.
3. Sample Loading
   • Drop the collected or treated sample onto the sample pad of the test strip. Generally, there is a specified dropping amount, such as 2 – 3 drops.
4. Waiting for Results
   • After sample loading, usually wait for 10 – 15 minutes to observe the results, although different reagents may have different waiting times.

V. Result Judgment

1. Positive Result
   • If both the test line and the control line show bands, it indicates that the sample contains feline calicivirus antigens and the cat is infected with calicivirus.
2. Negative Result
   • When there is no band on the test line and there is a band on the control line, it means that no virus antigens are detected in the sample and the cat is not infected with calicivirus.
3. Invalid Result
   • If there is no band on the control line, regardless of whether the test line shows anything, this test result is invalid and re – testing is required.

VI. Application Significance

1. Clinical Diagnosis
   • It helps veterinarians quickly diagnose whether cats are infected with calicivirus so that treatment plans can be formulated in a timely manner. Feline calicivirus infection can cause various diseases such as oral ulcers, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis in cats. Early diagnosis is helpful for alleviating the cat’s pain and preventing the deterioration of the disease.
2. Disease Monitoring
   • In places such as catteries and animal hospitals, it can be used for disease monitoring of cat populations, timely detecting potential infected cases, and taking measures such as isolation and treatment to prevent the virus from spreading among the cat population.