Development of a nested PCR and its internal control for the detection of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in Ornithodoros erraticus

Arch Virol. 2006 Apr;151(4):819-26. doi: 10.1007/s00705-005-0654-2. Epub 2005 Nov 17.

Abstract

A nested PCR assay, with an internal control, was developed to detect African swine fever virus (ASFV) DNA in Ornithodoros erraticus. The assay revealed a better analytical sensitivity than virus isolation and the OIE PCR protocol. All ticks collected from the field, which were positive by virus isolation, were also positive by PCR. Viral DNA was detected in a further 19 out of 60 ticks from which no virus was isolated. Our results show that this assay is reliable and can easily be used to screen large tick populations collected in the field for the presence of ASFV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • African Swine Fever / virology
  • African Swine Fever Virus / genetics
  • African Swine Fever Virus / isolation & purification*
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary*
  • Disease Reservoirs / virology
  • Ornithodoros / virology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Viral