Comparing the efficacy of RT-PCR and virology examinations in diagnosing equine viral arteritis.

摘要

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the RT-PCR method and virology examination (VI) in detecting equine arteritis virus (EAV) in stallion semen. A total of 71 semen samples were examined by RT-PCR. Seven samples gave positive results during the first PCR and eight additional amplicons were obtained in the nested PCR. A total of 15 samples tested positive for the presence of EAV genetic material. 29 semen samples were selected for virology investigations from seropositive stallions, and 15 positive and 14 negative by the PCR method. Cytopathic effects in RK-13 cells were shown to be positive by RT-PCR in 12 out of 15 samples. All the samples taken from stallions which were negative by RT-PCR were also negative by virology examination. Seven mares were mated to three stallion's positive by RT-PCR and subjected to serological examination in order to verify their status. Blood samples from the mares were taken before and 28 days after mating. All serologically negative mares underwent seroconversion. One of them had a fever of 38.5 degrees C, discharge from the right eye and skin eczema on the back. The results of the study support the use of the PCR as an alternative method to VI for detecting EAV in semen.