Zoetis’ new Witness Lepto is a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic test available in the U.S. that detects the primary immune response to canine leptospires as early as four days after infection, according to the company. The test specifically detects anti-Lepstospira immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to four of the most common serovars—canicola, grippotyphosa, icterohaemorrhagiae and pomona—affecting dogs. “An IgM-based test is ideal for early detection and diagnosis, which is key for successful treatment,” said Richard E. Goldstein, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ECVIM-CA, chief medical officer at the Animal Medical Center in New York. “Leptospirosis has a high mortality rate when diagnosed late. Additionally, being able to conduct the test in-clinic is important not only to rapidly turn results into appropriate treatment, but also to enable us to take the necessary steps to protect our hospital staff and the dog’s family from the spread of this disease that can affect humans as well as dogs.” “Leptospirosis can manifest with vague clinical signs such as fever, lethargy, anorexia and vomiting,” said Dr. Matthew Krecic, senior technical services manager, U.S. diagnostics for Parsippany, N.J.-based Zoetis. “Early treatment is critical to mitigate the damage leptospirosis can cause. Identifying and treating leptospirosis early and aggressively can help increase a dog’s chance for a full recovery.” Witness Lepto requires 5 microliters of sample of anticoagulated whole blood, serum or plasma for each test and approximately 10 minutes to produce results. Instead of waiting for leptospirosis test results from a laboratory, veterinarians can now test suspect dogs with Witness Lepto in the clinic and, based on the in-clinic result, confidently begin appropriate treatment, the company stated, adding that laboratory confirmation can be performed as needed. Witness Lepto will be available April 20. For more information, visit http://zoetisus.com/lepto.
