Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive technique used to detect DNA of viral pathogens. We have applied the technique to the detection of Equid herpesviruses-1 and -4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4) DNA within nasopharyngeal swab samples from horses. Ninety-eight samples from suspected field cases and in-contact horses were analysed. The assays were conducted blind and later decoded and compared with virus isolation data. Our results indicate that PCR is a sensitive and rapid technique for the diagnosis of EHV-1 and EHV-4 infection.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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DNA, Viral / analysis*
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Herpesviridae / genetics*
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Herpesviridae / isolation & purification
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Herpesviridae Infections / diagnosis
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Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary*
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Herpesvirus 1, Equid / genetics*
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Herpesvirus 1, Equid / isolation & purification
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Horse Diseases / diagnosis*
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Horses
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Nasopharynx / microbiology
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Nucleic Acid Hybridization
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Oligonucleotide Probes / chemistry
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Sensitivity and Specificity
Substances
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DNA, Viral
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Oligonucleotide Probes