Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) case definition for wildlife

Abstract

Diagnostic laboratories receive carcasses and samples for diagnostic evaluation and pathogen/toxin detection. The intent of a case definition is to provide scientifically based criteria for determining (1) if an individual carcass has a specific disease and the confidence of that diagnosis; and (2) if a pathogen or toxin is evident in a carcass or sample (for example, swab, tissue sample, skin scraping, blood/serum sample, environmental sample, or other). Using these criteria, cases diagnosed with a specific disease (diagnosing disease) will be classified as “confirmed,” “presumptive,” or “suspected;” and evidence of a pathogen or toxin (detecting pathogen/toxin) will be classified as “exposed” or “present/detected.” Classification is based on a combination of factors: individual, place, time, history, clinical signs, diagnostic observations, and (or) diagnostic test results. Case definitions bring clarity and consistency to the evaluation process. Their use within and between organizations allows more uniform reporting of diseases and etiologic agents. Case definitions are proposed for use in wildlife diagnostic laboratories and are not intended to replace regulatory standards provided by Government reporting agencies. Ideally, case definitions would be updated periodically as new information becomes available and new test methods are developed. Refer to the glossary for terminology definitions.