title: Development and validation of a real-time PCR assay for specific and sensitive detection of canid herpesvirus 1.
abstract: A TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay targeting the glycoprotein B-encoding gene was developed for diagnosis of canid herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) infection. The established assay was highly specific, since no cross-reactions were observed with other canine DNA viruses, including canine parvovirus type 2, canine minute virus, or canine adenovirus types 1 and 2. The detection limit was 10(1) and 1.20 x 10(1) DNA copies per 10 microl(-1) of template for standard DNA and a CHV-1-positive kidney sample, respectively: about 1-log higher than a gel-based PCR assay targeting the thymidine kinase gene. The assay was also reproducible, as shown by satisfactory low intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation. CHV-1 isolates of different geographical origins were recognised by the TaqMan assay. Tissues and clinical samples collected from three pups which died of CHV-1 neonatal infection were also tested, displaying a wide distribution of CHV-l DNA in their organs. Unlike other CHV-1-specific diagnostic methods, this quantitative assay permits simultaneous detection and quantitation of CHV-1 DNA in a wide range of canine tissues and body fluids, thus providing a useful tool for confirmation of a clinical diagnosis, for the study of viral pathogenesis and for evaluation of the efficacy of vaccines and antiviral drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bari, Strada per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano (Bari), Italy. n.decaro@veterinaria.uniba.it
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Decaro
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Amorisco
authors.forename: Costantina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Desario
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lorusso
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Camero
authors.forename: Anna Lucia
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Bellacicco
authors.forename: Rossana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sciarretta
authors.forename: Maria Stella
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Lucente
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Martella
authors.forename: Canio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Buonavoglia
mesh_terms: D000825:Animal Structures / Q000821:virology; D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000821:virology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D004285:Dogs; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D002184:Herpesvirus 1, Canid / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014773:Virology / Q000379:methods*