Canine Parvovirus Antigen Test Card (Colloidal Gold Method)

Target and Hazard: Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus. Dogs are the main host, and puppies between six weeks and six months of age are especially susceptible. The virus spreads by the faecal-oral route and is highly resistant in the environment, surviving for months and spreading through contaminated kennels, floors, equipment and clothing. Clinical signs include depression, anorexia, severe vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea (bloody, foul-smelling faeces), leukopenia and dehydration; the disease is severe in puppies and mortality is high without timely treatment, making it one of the most common acute infectious diseases seen in veterinary practice.

Significance of Testing: The card detects canine parvovirus antigen in faeces for rapid diagnosis in the acute phase: infected dogs shed large amounts of virus in faeces during the first days after onset, giving a good chance of antigen detection. A rapid result supports early isolation, prompt initiation of fluid therapy and supportive treatment, and assessment of infection risk for in-contact dogs. For strongly suspected but antigen-negative cases, nucleic acid testing or repeat sampling is recommended to avoid missed diagnoses.

Principle: Colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay in a double-antibody sandwich format: gold-labelled anti-CPV monoclonal antibody binds virus antigen in the sample, migrates along the membrane and is captured by the specific antibody coated on the test line (T), producing a visible line; development of the control line (C) confirms test and procedure validity.

Performance and Applications: No equipment required; visual reading within 10–15 minutes; samples: faeces or rectal swab; room-temperature storage and shipment. Intended for emergency rapid diagnosis in veterinary hospitals, clinics and animal rescue organisations, and for screening of newly introduced dogs in kennels and breeding facilities. Method: colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (double-antibody sandwich) | Samples: faeces or rectal swab | Time to result: 10–15 min | Reading: visual assessment of T/C lines — a coloured T line indicates a positive result, C line is the procedural control | Format: tests/box (as stated on the label) | Storage: 2–30 °C, cool and dry; shelf life 24 months | Note: sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, intra-/inter-assay CV and agreement with reference methods are subject to our internal QC report.