NORTHAMPTON, UK (23 September 2022) – HORIBA UK Veterinary announces the addition of an Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) test to its in-house PCR range of rapid veterinary diagnostic tests for the POCKIT Central analyser. This further expands the number of available tests to nearly 200, which already includes viruses, bacteria, parasites and protozoa for companion animal and farm species. Delivering fast and accurate results in just 85 minutes, HORIBA’s veterinary PCR analyser can support better patient management to enable correct treatment earlier.
E. cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite with worldwide distribution that may infect various species of mammals, including humans, and most commonly domestic rabbits. Infection may not be detected for some time, and predominantly impacts the nervous system and kidneys. Affected animals may show neurological signs, including paralysis, seizures and head tilt; renal insufficiency; and ocular disorders. Antiparasitic treatment can be effective, however, not all cases will fully recover or will sadly not survive an infection if treated too late.
Paul Lymer, HORIBA’s Veterinary Business Manager said, “We are pleased to offer the capability of PCR testing to all practitioners, with a simple process that does not require a separate area, specialist staff or facilities. With the continued addition of rapid assays such as E. cuniculi to its wide range of tests, POCKIT Central’s ‘sample in, result out’ technology enables veterinary teams to work more efficiently and enhance patient care.”
With a footprint of just 31 x 48cm, the POCKIT Central is a highly user-friendly system that completely automates the PCR testing process for up to eight pathogens in one run. It is so easy to set up that a laboratory can be up and running within 30 minutes with staff training provided. Ideally suited to veterinary practices, the POCKIT Central ensures confident diagnostic and case management decision making without needing to wait for external laboratory results.
More information on HORIBA’s POCKIT Central veterinary PCR analyser and available assays can be found at: https://www.horiba.com/gbr/veterinary/