Optimization and application of a one-tube reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus

摘要

Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) in a highly contagious, economically significant disease that is recognized as one of the major causes of illness and death of piglets in the midwestern United States. Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), the causative agent of TGE, is a member of the enteric coronavirus family which also includes porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), feline infectious peritonitis virus, and canine coronavirus. Swine, under two weeks old, infected with TGEV clinically present with profuse diarrhea, vomiting, and high mortality. TGEV can also infect older swine; however, mortality is usually low and clinical signs are less severe. After an outbreak, enzootic TGE may persist in weaned pigs, representing a carrier population and a significant source of infection to other pigs (1).