Validation of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of bovine herpesvirus 1 in bovine semen.
A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for detection of the presence of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) in extended bovine semen. The assay detects a region encoding a highly conserved glycoprotein B gene. The real-time PCR assay was validated for specificity, sensitivity and repeatability using spiked semen and semen from naturally infected animals. The real-time PCR was very rapid, highly repeatable and more sensitive (lower detection limits) than conventional virus isolation method for the detection of BoHV-1 in extended semen. The specificity of the assay is as expected. The assay had an analytical sensitivity of 0.38 TCID(50) virus spiked into negative semen. The second real-time PCR system for the detection of the bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene was applied as an internal control for the DNA extraction and PCR. The bGH PCR can be performed separately to BoHV-1 PCR, or in a duplex format. The real-time PCR assay is intended for use in international trade. The complete validation dossier based on this study and an international inter-laboratory ring trial has been accredited by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and has been recommended to be adopted as a prescribed test for international trade.
Wang
Jianning
J
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre-Wallaceville, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Upper Hutt, New Zealand. Jianning.Wang@maf.govt.nz
O'keefe
Joseph
J
Orr
Della
D
Loth
Leo
L
Banks
Malcolm
M
Wakeley
Philip
P
West
Donna
D
Card
Roderick
R
Ibata
Georgina
G
Van Maanen
Kees
K
Thoren
Peter
P
Isaksson
Mats
M
Kerkhofs
Pierre
P
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000662:veterinary / Q000821:virology; D007242:Herpesvirus 1, Bovine / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012661:Semen / Q000821:virology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D004279:DNA, Viral; C073294:growth hormone, bovine; D013006:Growth Hormone