Feline Infectious Peritonitis Antigen Detection Kit

The Feline Infectious Peritonitis Antigen Detection Kit is a tool specifically used for detecting whether cats are infected with the Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV).

I. Detection Principle

1. Immunochromatography Technology
   • Most of these kits are based on the principle of immunochromatography. Usually, there are a test line (T – line) and a control line (C – line) on the test strip. Specific antibodies against the feline infectious peritonitis virus antigen are pre – coated on the test strip.
   • When the collected cat samples (such as ascites, pleural effusion, blood, etc.) are dropped onto the sample pad of the test strip, the samples move along the test strip by capillary action.
   • If virus antigens exist in the sample, the antigens will combine with the labeled antibodies (antibodies labeled with markers such as colloidal gold) on the test strip to form antigen – antibody complexes. This complex continues to move, and when it moves to the test line, it will be captured by another specific antibody pre – coated on the T – line, forming 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 judge 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 regarded as invalid.

II. Components

1. Test Strip
   • It is the core component of the test, including a sample pad, a conjugate pad (with labeled antibodies), a nitrocellulose membrane (with antibody coatings on the test line and control line), and an absorbent pad.
2. Sample Collection Tools
   • Depending on the type of sample, they may include syringes (used for collecting fluid samples such as ascites and pleural effusion) and blood – collection needles and tubes (used for collecting blood samples).
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 the appropriate detection range of the kit.
4. Positive and Negative Controls
   • The positive control is a sample containing known feline infectious peritonitis virus 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.

III. Detection Steps

1. Sample Collection
   • To collect ascites or pleural effusion samples, an appropriate amount of fluid needs to be aspirated from the cat’s abdomen or chest cavity using a syringe under sterile conditions. When collecting blood samples, the operation is carried out according to conventional blood – collection methods.
2. Sample Treatment (if necessary)
   • When 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 3 – 5 drops.
4. Waiting for Results
   • After sample loading, usually wait for 10 – 15 minutes to observe the results. Different kits may have slightly different waiting times.

IV. Result Judgment

1. Positive Result
   • If both the test line and the control line show bands, it indicates that the sample contains feline infectious peritonitis virus antigens, and the cat may be infected with infectious peritonitis.
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 infectious peritonitis.
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.

V. Application Significance

1. Clinical Diagnosis
   • It helps veterinarians diagnose quickly and accurately whether cats have infectious peritonitis, so as to formulate treatment plans in a timely manner. Since feline infectious peritonitis is a relatively serious disease, early diagnosis is very important for improving the cat’s prognosis.
2. Disease Monitoring
   • In places such as catteries and animal hospitals, it can be used for disease monitoring of cat populations, timely discovering potential infected cases, preventing the spread and diffusion of the disease, and ensuring the health of cat populations.