Use of TaqMan reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and serologic testing to eliminate an enzootic infection of mouse hepatitis virus.
Elimination of an enzootic infection of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) from a large population of genetically engineered mice was accomplished by selecting seropositive, non-infective breeders for a newly restored MHV-free breeding colony. An ELISA was used to test for the presence of MHV-specific antibody, and TaqMan reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was used to detect MHV in the feces. After 10 weeks of intentional exposure, approximately 30% of mice with MHV antibodies continued to shed MHV in the feces. A natural transmission study was conducted to validate that positive fecal RT-PCR results indicated presence of infective virus. Sentinel results from the re-instituted breeding colony indicated that MHV was successfully eliminated by use of RT-PCR analysis for selection of non-infective mice.
Smith
Gerald D
GD
Eli Lilly and Company, Veterinary Resources, Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, USA.
Solenberg
Patricia J
PJ
Koenig
Marie C
MC
Brune
Kellie A
KA
Fox
Niles
N
D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D001947:Breeding; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000662:veterinary; D005243:Feces / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006524:Hepatitis, Viral, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D006517:Murine hepatitis virus / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D019914:Taq Polymerase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012367:RNA, Viral; D019914:Taq Polymerase