Development of a real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in clinical samples and its comparison with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence antibody testing.
Bovine respiratory syncytial virus is an agent involved in calf pneumonia complex, a disease of significant economic importance. Accurate diagnosis of the agents involved on farm premises is important when formulating disease control measures, including vaccination. We have developed a real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR) and compared it with the diagnostic tests currently available in the United Kingdom: immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The rtRT-PCR had a detection limit of 10 gene copies and was 96% efficient. Recent UK isolates and clinical samples were tested; the rtRT-PCR was more sensitive than both conventional tests.
Willoughby
Kim
K
Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom. kim.willoughby@moredun.ac.uk
Thomson
Karen
K
Maley
Madeleine
M
Gilray
Janice
J
Scholes
Sandra
S
Howie
Fiona
F
Caldow
George
G
Nettleton
Peter F
PF
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / Q000662:veterinary*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary*; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D018112:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Bovine / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary*