title: Development and validation of a novel hydrolysis probe real-time polymerase chain reaction for agamid adenovirus 1 in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).
abstract: Agamid adenovirus 1 (AgAdv-1) is a significant cause of disease in bearded dragons (Pogona sp.). Clinical manifestations of AgAdv-1 infection are variable and often nonspecific; the manifestations range from lethargy, weight loss, and inappetence, to severe enteritis, hepatitis, and sudden death. Currently, diagnosis of AgAdv-1 infection is achieved through a single published method: standard nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and sequencing. Standard nPCR with sequencing provides reliable sensitivity, specificity, and validation of PCR products. However, this process is comparatively expensive, laborious, and slow. Probe hybridization, as used in a TaqMan assay, represents the best option for validating PCR products aside from the time-consuming process of sequencing. This study developed a real-time PCR (qPCR) assay using a TaqMan probe-based assay, targeting a highly conserved region of the AgAdv-1 genome. Standard curves were generated, detection results were compared with the gold standard conventional PCR and sequencing assay, and limits of detection were determined. Additionally, the qPCR assay was run on samples known to be positive for AgAdv-1 and samples known to be positive for other adenoviruses. Based on the results of these evaluations, this assay allows for a less expensive, rapid, quantitative detection of AgAdv-1 in bearded dragons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL dfredholm@ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Daniel V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Fredholm
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
authors.forename: James K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
authors.forename: April L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Childress
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
authors.forename: James F X
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wellehan
mesh_terms: D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000257:Adenoviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008116:Lizards; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
keywords: Agamid adenovirus 1; atadenovirus; bearded dragons; polymerase chain reaction