An outbreak of Neospora caninum-associated abortion occurred in a South Carolina dairy wherein greater than 10% of the herd aborted over a 4-month period. Of the total number of cows at mid-late gestation, nearly 40% (28/71) aborted while the remaining 60% (43/71) gave birth to normal calves. Immunohistochemical examination of brain tissue from a subset of aborted fetuses confirmed N. caninum a...

The present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of antigenic components recognized by serum IgG antibodies in Western blotting (WB) using a Strongyloides ratti larval extract for the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. In addition, the WB results were compared to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) results. Serum samp...

Multiple-choice testing with dichotomous scoring is one of the most common assessment methods utilized in undergraduate education. Determining students’ perceptions toward different types multiple-choice formats important for effective assessment. The present study compared two alternative used a second-year required chemistry course: (1) Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IFAT®) and (2) ...

The clinical-immunological spectrum of human Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infections in the Brazilian Amazon has been defined using DTH/IFAT-IgG immune assays and clinical statuses infected individuals, revealing five profiles: three asymptomatic [Asymptomatic Infection (AI), Subclinical Resistant (SRI), Indeterminate Initial (III)], two symptomatic profiles [Subclinical Oligosymptomatic (S...

Fourteen dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum and treated with allopurinol were monitored clinically and serologically with immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT, amastigotes and promastigotes), enzyme linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA, IgG1 and IgG2) and Western blotting (WB). In all dogs therapy lead to clinical improvement together with decreasing specific antibodies in IFAT, ELI...

In the last decades there has been an increase in cases of visceral leishmaniasis complicating the post-transplant phase, mainly following kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reactivity of haemodialysed patients using IFAT. Blood samples of 310 individuals from Natal, RN, Brazil, were collected and analysed. Data regarding blood transfusion, cause of end-stage rena...

Abstract In this study, whole blood samples and ticks were collected from 57 capybaras in recreational areas the Federal District, Brazil, aiming to investigate presence of Rickettsia spp. using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) assays. None capybara yielded rickettsial DNA by PCR. Among 55 serum tested IFAT, 53 (96.3%) reacted these, 21 (39.6%) identified R. be...

BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis may cause a life-threatening disease in immunosuppressed patients. This can only be prevented by effective cure of chronic infections. Direct parasitologic exams are not sensitive enough to prove cure if negative. We used an indirect immune fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) along with direct methods for patient inclusion and efficacy assessment. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPA...