Comparison of nested polymerase chain reaction, virus isolation, and fluorescent antibody testing for identifying feline herpesvirus in cats with conjunctivitis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), virus isolation (VI), and fluorescent antibody (FA) testing to detect feline herpesvirus (FHV) in cats with naturally acquired conjunctivitis or respiratory tract disease, or both.


METHODS
Swab and microbrush specimens from the conjunctiva and throat were taken from 46 cats, allotted to 3 groups (conjunctivitis only, respiratory tract disease and conjunctivitis, and clinically normal).


METHODS
Cells from microbrush specimens were digested and herpesvirus DNA was amplified, using a double round of PCR. Products were detected by use of agarose gel electrophoresis. The VI and FA tests were performed in routine manner.


RESULTS
Of 16 cats with conjunctivitis only, conjunctival specimens from 8 and throat specimens from 8 were FHV positive by PCR. None had positive results of VI or FA testing. Of 15 cats with respiratory tract disease and conjunctivitis, conjunctival specimens from 13 and throat specimens from 12 were FHV positive by PCR. A conjunctival specimen from 1 cat and throat specimens from 3 cats were FHV positive by VI. A conjunctival specimen from 1 cat was FHV positive by FA testing. Of 15 clinically normal cats, conjunctival and throat specimens from 2 cats were FHV positive by PCR; neither conjunctival nor throat specimens from these cats were FHV positive by VI or FA testing.


CONCLUSIONS
For cats with respiratory tract disease and conjunctivitis, or with conjunctivitis only, nested PCR was more sensitive at detecting FHV than was VI or FA testing.


CONCLUSIONS
Nested PCR is a more sensitive test than the currently available VI and FA tests for identifying FHV in cats with conjunctivitis.
Stiles
J
J
Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.
McDermott
M
M
Willis
M
M
Roberts
W
W
Greene
C
C
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases; D002415:Cats; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique / Q000662:veterinary; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary / Q000821:virology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary
D004279:DNA, Viral