Development and validation of a Myxoma virus real-time polymerase chain reaction assay

J Vet Diagn Invest. 2012 Jan;24(1):135-7. doi: 10.1177/1040638711425946. Epub 2011 Dec 6.

Abstract

To aid in the rapid diagnosis of myxomatosis in rabbits, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the specific detection of Myxoma virus is described. Primers and probe were designed to amplify a 147-bp fragment within the Serp2 gene. The assay was able to detect 23 copies of a synthesized oligo indicating a reliable sensitivity. In addition, the real-time PCR did not detect the Rabbit fibroma virus used in myxomatosis vaccines. The novel PCR was shown to be able to detect Myxoma virus in fresh and paraffin-embedded rabbit tissues originating from myxomatosis cases from various regions in Switzerland.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Myxoma virus / genetics*
  • Poxviridae Infections / diagnosis
  • Poxviridae Infections / genetics
  • Poxviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Poxviridae Infections / virology
  • Rabbits / virology
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Tumor Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • Tumor Virus Infections / genetics
  • Tumor Virus Infections / veterinary*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology