Is long-term serum preservation suitable for research studies? Effect of time and temperature on the measurement of anti-Leishmania antibodies in canine sera samples

The stability of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies is critical for diagnostic and research applications in veterinary medicine. This study evaluated the long-term stability of anti-Leishmania infantum IgG in canine serum samples under different storage conditions (−20 °C and −80 °C) over 2.5 years....

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Main Authors: Diana Marteles, María Eugenia Lebrero, Sergio Villanueva-Saz, Clara Esteban Sanz, Víctor Martín, Antonio Fernández, Pablo Quilez, Maite Verde, Patricia Galan-Malo, M. Dolores Pérez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Veterinary Quarterly
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/01652176.2025.2532396
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Summary:The stability of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies is critical for diagnostic and research applications in veterinary medicine. This study evaluated the long-term stability of anti-Leishmania infantum IgG in canine serum samples under different storage conditions (−20 °C and −80 °C) over 2.5 years. Fifty-six serum samples were classified based on antibody concentration into low, medium, and high positive groups using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Each sample was divided into aliquots and analyzed after different storage times (6 months, 1 year, 1.5, and 2.5 years). No statistically significant differences were observed in IgG concentrations across storage durations or between storage temperatures. Median antibody levels remained consistent, with minor variations attributed to assay-related variability. Correlation analyses showed strong agreement between initial and final measurements (R2 = 0.859 at −20 °C, R2 = 0.957 at −80 °C). The study underscores the suitability of −20 °C and −80 °C storage for preserving anti-Leishmania antibodies, providing valuable insights for serological diagnostics and research in veterinary science. Proper sample handling and aliquoting are recommended to maintain antibody integrity in routine diagnostics and long-term studies.
ISSN:0165-2176
1875-5941