Feline Panleukopenia Antigen Test Card (Colloidal Gold Method)

Target and Hazard: Feline panleukopenia (FPL, commonly known as feline distemper) is caused by feline panleukopenia virus (FPV, also called feline parvovirus), a member of the family Parvoviridae closely related to canine parvovirus. It mainly infects cats and can also infect some wild felids. The virus spreads by the faecal-oral route, through contaminated objects and vertically, and is highly resistant and long-lived in the environment. Kittens typically present with high fever, vomiting, haemorrhagic enteritis, severe leukopenia and dehydration, with high mortality; infection of pregnant queens can cause abortion or cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens. It is one of the most serious infectious diseases of cats.

Significance of Testing: The card detects FPL virus antigen directly for rapid on-site confirmation of suspected cases, and is particularly suited to faecal screening during the acute phase when virus shedding is high. Unlike the non-specific leukopenia seen on haematology and the difficulty of early antibody-based diagnosis, antigen detection directly indicates current viral infection, supporting prompt isolation, fluid therapy, supportive care and environmental disinfection of the cattery.

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

Performance and Applications: No equipment required; sample: faeces (or rectal swab eluate); visual reading within 10–15 minutes; store and ship at 2–30 °C in a cool, dry place, with an 24-month shelf life. Suitable for rapid outpatient screening in veterinary hospitals, group screening in catteries and breeding facilities, and on-site testing at rescue centres and isolation observation points for stray cats. Method: colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (double-antibody sandwich) | Samples: faeces or rectal swab eluate | 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 RT-PCR/virus isolation are subject to our internal QC report.