Antech Diagnostics to Introduce New Parasite Detection Capabilities to KeyScreenTM GI Parasite PCR Test
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif.–Antech Diagnostics, North America’s largest network of veterinary diagnostic reference laboratories, today announced that KeyScreen™ GI Parasite PCR will detect a new mutation for treatment-resistant canine hookworm by mid-April. KeyScreen is a molecular diagnostic test that detects 20 intestinal parasites in cats and dogs, including Giardia with zoonotic potential and treatment-resistant canine hookworm.
“In our practice, KeyScreen gives us a level of insight into parasite activity that we simply haven’t had before”
Following researchers’ discovery of a new mutation for treatment-resistant hookworm, Antech determined that screening for both mutations increased KeyScreen’s detection rate for this emerging threat by more than 25 percent. As the only parasite test that can quickly deliver information about treatment-resistant hookworm, KeyScreen’s enhanced detection capabilities give veterinary teams the most complete diagnostics information available, allowing for more precise and effective treatment. Antech will discuss this at the WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas at a panel presentation titled, “Getting around to endoparasites: panel perspectives on GI parasite preventative care,” on Monday, Feb. 20 at 12:45 pm PST at Oceanside B, Level 2.
“In our practice, KeyScreen gives us a level of insight into parasite activity that we simply haven’t had before,” said Nicole Sheehan, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, veterinarian and founder, Whole Pet Veterinary Hospitals. “Using KeyScreen not only helps us treat pets effectively the first time, it also saves us time. Our team was thrilled to give up the messy and time-consuming task of counting and recounting eggs in fecal samples. Now that we send our samples to Antech, we’re able to treat pets effectively and relieve our staff of performing fecals.”
KeyScreen’s unique approach to identifying treatment-resistant hookworm
Resistance to Benzimidazole, the current treatment for canine hookworm, results from a genetic mutation to the hookworm genome, which researchers first discovered in 2019 among Greyhounds that received frequent Benzimidazole treatment. Introduced in early 2022, KeyScreen screens for 20 parasites and is the only test able to detect anthelmintic drug (Benzimidazole)-resistant hookworm and Giardia with zoonotic potential, which it does from a single, storable 0.15 gram sample. Veterinary teams send the sample to Antech’s network of reference laboratories, which eliminates the need to perform in-house “fecal flotations.” KeyScreen is also unique in its ability to detect coinfections, allowing clinicians to treat pets more precisely the first time, which can improve pet health, practice efficiency and pet-owner satisfaction.
“Treatment-resistance in canine hookworm is a problem that has extended beyond Greyhounds to a wider population of pet dogs,” said Christian M. Leutenegger, Dr.Med.Vet., B.Sc., Ph.D., FVH, VP Research & Development, at Antech and KeyScreen inventor. “After nearly one year of processing KeyScreen samples, we’re seeing a significant number of positive tests for treatment-resistant hookworm. We continually evaluate new scientific research to guide the development and enhancement of our diagnostics, and we’ll continue to monitor data for parasite activity so that KeyScreen can deliver the most comprehensive diagnostic information for veterinary teams who strive to deliver the best medicine to pets.”
For more information about KeyScreen, please visit Antech Diagnostics at booth #1471 at the WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas from Feb. 19-22, 2023.
About KeyScreen
KeyScreen™ GI Parasite PCR is the most advanced screening test for intestinal parasites in dogs and cats. KeyScreen relies on molecular diagnostics (“PCR”), the most advanced diagnostic platform in human and animal medicine, to detect 20 parasites from a single, storable 0.15 gram sample. It is uniquely able to detect emerging parasitic threats, anthelmintic drug-resistant hookworm and Giardia with zoonotic potentialand can effectively identify pets with two or more parasitic infections. Antech’s investment in molecular technology includes 11 testing locations across North America, supporting affordable next-day results. By making advanced molecular parasite screening practical for routine wellness exams, KeyScreen allows a new standard of care in veterinary medicine.
About Antech
At the heart of Antech is our love for pets and our desire to see them live longer, healthier lives. Through superior diagnostic testing delivered with a flexible, can-do spirit, we endeavor to treat every sample as if it belongs to our own pet. Our innovative diagnostics, accessible through North America’s largest reference laboratory network, span world-class imaging equipment, and services, advanced molecular and predictive diagnostic testing, and core diagnostics with gold-standard accuracy. 24×7 access to the most accomplished team of board-certified pathologists, medical consultants across 14 specialty areas, and industry-leading education round out our support for today’s high-performance practices. Antech is helping to drive the future of veterinary care as part of Mars Petcare, Visit us at antechdiagnostics.com.
