Antibody Persistence in Decaying Fox Carcasses
Author Information
Author(s): Morten Tryland, Kjell Handeland, Anna-Marie Bratberg, Inge-Tom Solbakk, Antti Oksanen
Primary Institution: The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science
Hypothesis
How do antibodies against Microsporum canis persist in decaying fox carcasses?
Conclusion
Positive serological results from blood or body fluid of dead animals can indicate exposure to specific infectious agents, but negative results may be less conclusive.
Supporting Evidence
- Antibodies against M. canis were measured in blood and body fluids from fox carcasses.
- The mean absorbance from samples collected during autopsy was generally lower than from samples from live animals.
- Blood samples showed a significant decrease in antibody levels over time.
- Body fluid samples showed a non-significant decrease in antibody levels over time.
- Positive serological results from carcasses may indicate exposure to infections.
- Negative results may not accurately reflect the true prevalence of infections.
Takeaway
This study looked at how long antibodies last in dead foxes. It found that while some antibodies can still be detected days after death, others might not be reliable.
Methodology
Foxes were blood sampled and euthanased, with autopsies performed at various post mortem intervals to measure antibody levels using ELISA.
Potential Biases
Potential species-dependent differences in antibody detection due to the use of specific secondary antibodies.
Limitations
The study may underestimate true antibody prevalence due to degradation processes in carcasses.
Participant Demographics
10 silver foxes and 10 blue foxes, with 6 of each species previously vaccinated against M. canis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p=0.04
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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