Evaluation of a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of canine sarcoptic mange

This study was designed to assess the accuracy of a commercial enzyme-linke d immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of canine scabies. Serum samples fr om 37 dogs were examined blind; 12 had sarcoptic mange confirmed by the ide ntification of mites in skin scrapings. 12 were atopic (with positive intra dermal reactions to one or more aeroallergens, including Dermatophagoides f arinae), and 13 were healthy dogs with no history of skin disease. Optical density values of more than 0.16 were considered positive, 0.145 to 0.16 we re considered questionable and less than 0.145 were considered negative. Te n of the 12 dogs with scabies were positive, all 12 atopic dogs were negati ve, and 11 of the 13 healthy dogs were negative and two were questionable.