Evaluation of a PCR assay for PRRS virus in saliva
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Research partners: Veterinary Laboratory Agency, University of Newcastle
Sponsors: BPEX
Project duration: February – July 2009
Following reports from the US that oral fluids may prove a useful and convenient diagnostic measure of group disease status in pigs, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of this methodology in the UK herd, using Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSv) as the target pathogen.
Proof of principle that PRRSv RNA can be detected in oral fluids from pigs viraemic with PRRSv was successfully achieved. However the sensitivity of the technique needs to be improved before it can be more widely applied in the commercial setting.
Techniques for collection and handling of samples are described, along with the methods of optimising RNA extraction from oral fluids, and modification of the RT-PCR for PRRSv RNA for this diagnostic sample. Some targets for further research and possible reasons for apparently suboptimal test sensitivity are suggested.
Read the full report here
Page last updated 03 August 2010