Serum anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a IgG antibodies are biomarkers for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis by Angie Rupp and colleagues at the University of Glasgow
Building on the findings of a previous single-country pilot study that identified serum anti-GM2 and anti-GA1 anti-glycolipid antibodies as potential biomarkers for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis (ACP), this validation study examined a large geographically heterogenous cohort.
Serum was screened for 11 common glycolipid targets to identify immunoglobulin G anti-glycolipid antibodies showing the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for ACP. The study examined 175 dogs clinically diagnosed with ACP, 112 dogs with other peripheral nerve, cranial nerve or neuromuscular disorders, and 226 neurologically normal dogs.
Anti-GM2 AGAbs showed the highest combined sensitivity and specificity, followed by antii-GalNAc-GD1a AGAbs, and these antibodies were often present together.
Highly sensitive and specific biomarkers would help supplement other diagnostic investigations such as electrodiagnostic findings and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and guide appropriate care. This study validated the use of both anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a AGAbs as diagnostic markers of ACP. Moreover, taking into account glycolipid availability and cost, anti-GM2 AGAb measurement was identified as the most convenient single supportive biomarker for ACP. It was also noted that that a negative AGAb-result does not categorically rule out the presence of ACP.
J of Small Animal Practice, Volume: 63, Issue: 2, Pages: 104-112, First published: 17 November 2021
DOI: (10.1111/jsap.13439)
