A paper on the clinical usefulness of Vcheck CRP in dogs infected with heartworms has been published in the international journal, Veterinary world (IF 2.11). See the attached file for full paper. 

 Canine filariasis is a prominent mosquito-borne disease which is caused by several species of filarial worms, including Dirofilaria immitis. The pathophysiological response to infection is mainly due to the filaria lifecycle.

In this study, blood samples were collected from 980 dogs who have visited animal hospitals and all samples were tested to determine the presence of microfilaria. In positive samples, the serum protein profiles and CRP concentrations using the Vcheck CRP 2.0 were examined.

The average CRP concentrations of dogs infected with only D. immitis was 69.6 (13.6-116.9) mg/L. A dog infected with both D. immitis and B. pahangi had very high CRP concentrations (>200 mg/L). The total protein, β2 globulin, and γ globulin levels increased, while albumin levels and albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratios were significantly reduced.

In heartworm disease, adult worms are localized in the pulmonary arteries, which induces endothelial damage or proliferative endocarditis. Chronic inflammation leads to elevated CRP concentrations and hyperglobulinemia.

According to this study, the serum protein profiles and CRP concentrations in canine filariasis can reflect the health status of infected dogs. In particular, the CRP concentrations in dogs infected with D. immitis were significantly high, proving its usefulness as a marker of inflammation.

C-reactive protein (CRP), a major acute protein in dogs, is elevated in response to inflammatory stimuli, which can be useful in various inflammatory situations such as infections, tumors, acute pancreatitis, and surgery.

Vcheck CRP 2.0 can be quantitatively measured using a fluorescent immunoassay analyzer, Vcheck, and can be tested using a small amount of sample (a serum or plasma 5ul). It also has a wide measurement range of 10 to 200 mg/L, making it suitable for monitoring responses during treatment. Learn more