Use of gamma-globulin values to predict positive IgM and IgG serum for encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits

Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is a parasite that can infect a variety of animals, including immune-compromised humans. Rabbits are prone to encephalitozoonosis but the subclinical course and high serum prevalence make it difficult to diagnose with certainty in live animals. Different approaches have been used to detect the presence of an active infection in symptomatic rabbits: antibody titers, positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum for E. cuniculi, electrophoresis, PCR in urine, cerebrospinal fluid analysis. In this study seventy-six rabbits showing symptoms related to this disease were divided into three groups based on their antibody results: IgM+ IgG+, IgM- IgG+, and IgM- IgG-. Statistical analysis showed that total serum protein was not effective in predicting an antibody response. In contrast the γ-globulin ranges from serum electrophoresis predicted whether the subject was positive for IgM and/or IgG. A significant quantitative correlation between percentage of γ-globulins and positive IgM and IgG serum for E. cuniculi was established in symptomatic rabbits. Hence, these values can be useful for screening both symptomatic and asymptomatic rabbits