Interlaboratory ring trial to evaluate CFT proficiency of European laboratories for diagnosis of glanders in equids.
Authors: Laroucau K, Colaneri C, Jaÿ M, Corde Y, Drapeau A, Durand B, Zientara S, Beck C
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary: CFT Proficiency for Glanders Diagnosis A collaborative ring trial involving 24 European laboratories—predominantly National Reference Laboratories—assessed the complement fixation test (CFT) for detecting *Burkholderia mallei* antibodies in equine sera, the standard serological method for glanders diagnosis across the continent. Laboratories received blinded serum panels containing positive and negative samples and were evaluated on their ability to correctly identify infected animals and achieve consistent results within their own facilities. CFT proved reliable overall with good intralaboratory reproducibility, confirming its value as a diagnostic tool; however, notable variation between laboratories emerged, indicating room for improvement in standardisation. The researchers identified antigen preparation and the lack of a standardised positive serum control as key contributors to performance differences, and recommend that harmonising these critical reagents would strengthen glanders serodiagnosis sensitivity and ensure greater consistency across European facilities. For equine practitioners and laboratories involved in glanders screening or regulatory testing, this finding underscores the importance of reagent quality control and highlights the potential benefits of participating in proficiency testing schemes to validate diagnostic protocols.
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Practical Takeaways
- •CFT is a reliable diagnostic tool for glanders in horses, but results may vary between laboratories—work with accredited National Reference Laboratories when possible
- •If your horse tests positive for glanders antibodies, request confirmation testing and ensure your laboratory is participating in proficiency programmes
- •Standardised reagents and reference sera across European labs would improve diagnostic consistency and reduce false negatives in glanders screening
Key Findings
- •Interlaboratory proficiency test involving 24 European laboratories (22 National Reference Laboratories) confirmed the reliability of complement fixation test (CFT) for detecting Burkholderia mallei antibodies in equine sera
- •CFT demonstrated good intralaboratory reproducibility across participating laboratories
- •Standardisation of critical reagents including antigens and development of a standard B. mallei serum are needed to improve sensitivity of glanders serodiagnosis and overall laboratory proficiency