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Table 5 Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of diagnosis of FIP using molecular diagnostics

From: Limitations of using feline coronavirus spike protein gene mutations to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis

 

Basis of diagnosis

Tissuea

Fluid

Faeces

Sensitivity % (n = positive/total)

RT-qPCR alone

89.8 (n = 202/225)

78.4 (n = 40/51)

64.6 (n = 31/48)

Combination testingb

80.9 (n = 182/225)

60 (n = 30/50)c

33.3 (n = 16/48)

Specificity % (n = negative/total)

RT-qPCR alone

92.6 (n = 239/258)

97.9 (n = 46/47)

80 (n = 28/35)

Combination testingb

94.6 (n = 244/258)

97.9 (n = 46/47)

100 (n = 35/35)

Accuracy % (n = true result/total)

RT-qPCR alone

91.3 (n = 441/483)

87.8 (n = 86/98)

71.1 (n = 59/83)

Combination testingb

88.2 (n = 426/483)

78.4 (n = 76/97)

61.4 (n = 41/83)

  1. The reference-standard for diagnosis of FIP was considered identification of FCoV antigen by immunohistochemistry in at least one tissue in association with appropriate histopathological changes, and cats were considered “without FIP” where FIP was excluded as a diagnosis.
  2. aAs some positive samples without histopathological data were not subjected to sequencing, only those samples with histopathological data available were included in these calculations.
  3. bRT-qPCR in combination with spike protein sequence characterisation FCoV.
  4. cOne sample lost from analysis.