Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of minute virus of mice and mouse parvovirus infections in laboratory mice

Lab Anim. 2013 Apr;47(2):116-21. doi: 10.1177/0023677213478298. Epub 2013 Mar 14.

Abstract

Mouse parvoviruses are among the most prevalent infectious pathogens in contemporary mouse colonies. To improve the efficiency of routine screening for mouse parvovirus infections, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the VP gene was developed. The assay detected minute virus of mice (MVM), mouse parvovirus (MPV) and a mouse housekeeping gene (α-actin) and was able to specifically detect MVM and MPV at levels as low as 50 copies. Co-infection with the two viruses with up to 200-fold differences in viral concentrations can easily be detected. The multiplex PCR assay developed here could be a useful tool for monitoring mouse health and the viral contamination of biological materials.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Mice*
  • Minute Virus of Mice / genetics
  • Minute Virus of Mice / isolation & purification
  • Minute Virus of Mice / metabolism
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Parvoviridae Infections / diagnosis*
  • Parvoviridae Infections / virology
  • Parvovirus / genetics
  • Parvovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Parvovirus / metabolism
  • Rodent Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Rodent Diseases / virology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Viral Proteins