Antech releases comprehensive ringworm panel

Antech Diagnostics, part of Mars Veterinary Health, announced its DNA-based test for common ringworm-causing fungal organisms in dogs, cats and other animals is now available.

Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, the FastPanel Ringworm PCR test detects the most comprehensive group of ringworm-causing fungal organisms in veterinary medicine, according to Antech. The company also offers confirmatory culture using the same sample.

The test offers high sensitivity and rapid turnaround, meaning veterinarians can prevent new and secondary infections by speeding access to effective treatment, Antech said.

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus and characterized by itchy, ring-shaped rashes. Easily spread between animals and from animals to people, early diagnosis is critical so treatment can begin.

“For ringworm, key opinion leaders recommend PCR testing either in combination with dermatophyte culture or as a standalone diagnostic test to confirm infection and determine proper treatment,” said Jennifer Ogeer, Antech’s vice president of medical affairs. “The combination of high diagnostic accuracy, fast turnaround time and the option for confirmatory culture from the same sample make this particular DNA-based test uniquely valuable in delivering effective treatment quickly to affected animals, a critical factor toward safeguarding both animal and human health from this challenging-to-treat skin disease.”