Eperythrozoon ovis Infection and the Antiglobulin Test

Abstract

DURING an investigation of Eperythrozoon ovis infection of sheep, attempts have been made to find laboratory aids to the normal practice of relying entirely on identification of the organism in blood smears. This method has limitations¹ in that: (a) parasites are detectable for relatively short periods and at a time when clinical symptoms are mild or absent; (b) careful handling of blood samples is necessary and not always possible under field conditions; and (c) staining methods require exacting techniques and are inconsistent. One promising aid to diagnosis is a modification of the antiglobulin test of Coombs, Mourant and Race² described by Dacie³. References to the use of the Coombs test in naturally occurring diseases of animals are rare although the test has been used in certain experimentally induced anaemias.