Sara E. Gonzalez, DVM, MS, provides a literature-based review of the limitations and benefits of this type of testing and guidance for interpreting results. In the summary comments she shares:
- The gold standard laboratory techniques for detecting circulating blood antibody titers against the core canine vaccine antigens and FPV are VN and HI.
- Core vaccine titer testing to assess protective immunity is recommended for dogs only.
- Positive titer results are highly correlated with protective immunity for CPV, CDV, CAV and FPV, although patients with negative titers may still mount an effective immune response through cell-mediated immunity.
- Vaccine titers have become more available and financially feasible than they were in the past.
- Titer testing is not something that should be approached broadly and may be best considered on the basis of risk factors, clinic protocols and client preferences.
Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, September/October 2020. Link. Development of a vaccination protocol should be an informed medical decision established between the client and the veterinarian and tailored to patients on an individual basis. Titer testing can be used to determine whether a vaccination is required providing benefits, limitations, interpretation guidance is considered.
INSIGHTS: Testing ahead of vaccination is a more prevalent topic during this 2020 pandemic period. Regardless, the discussion of titers is often confusing and for sure acrimonious. 😉