title: Real-time reverse transcription PCR for detection and quantitative analysis of equine influenza virus.
abstract: Equine influenza is a cause of epizootic respiratory disease of the equine. The detection of equine influenza virus using real-time Light Cycler reverse transcription (RT)-PCR technology was evaluated over two influenza seasons with the analysis of 171 samples submitted for viral respiratory disease. Increased sensitivity was found in overall viral detection with this system compared to Directigen Flu A and virus isolation, which were 40% and 23%, respectively, that of the RT-PCR. The assay was also evaluated as a viable replacement for the more traditional methods of quantifying equine influenza virus, 50% egg infectious dose and 50% tissue culture infectious dose. There was a significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between the quantitative RT-PCR and both of these assays.
authors.affiliation: Virology Unit, The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Quinlivan
authors.forename: Eugene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dempsey
authors.forename: Fergus
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arkins
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cullinane
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D006736:Horses / Q000821:virology; D053123:Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000821:virology; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity