Key result
A duplex real-time PCR assay based on the ASFV E296R gene successfully differentiated genotypes I and II African swine fever viruses, identifying all 84 tested clinical samples as genotype II.
Why the study?
Recent emergence of low-virulence, transmissible genotype I African swine fever viruses alongside genotype II in China created a need to differentiate between genotypes I and II upon outbreaks.
A novel duplex real-time PCR assay was developed to rapidly detect and differentiate between genotypes I and II of the African swine fever virus, providing a tool for disease control.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Complicates ASF control in China; leaves open the need for genotype-specific diagnostics in surveillance.
Genotype II African swine fever virus (ASFV) has been plaguing Chinese pig industry and caused severe morbidity and mortality of pigs resulting in huge economic losses since its first report in August 2018. Most recently, two genotype I ASFVs with low virulence but efficient transmissibility in pigs were reported in China, which makes the diagnosis and control of this lethal disease more challenging. Therefore, it is prerequisite and important to differentiate genotype I from genotype II upon ASFV outbreaks before making any stringent control procedures. In this study, a duplex real-time PCR assay based on ASFV E296R gene was established which could simultaneously detect genotypes I and II ASFVs with two pairs of primers and two probes. Plasmid containing ASFV genes was used to test the sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility. DNA or cDNA samples of ASFV and other swine viruses were used to test the specificity. The results showed that the established duplex real-time PCR assay has satisfied specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility. In addition, the assay was applied to differentiate 84 ASFV positive clinical samples including lymph nodes, spleen, kidney, lung, liver, blood, nasal swab, and environmental swab samples which were sent to National ASF Reference Laboratory from April 2020 to September 2021. The results showed that all these ASFV positive samples belong to genotype II ASFV. The established duplex real-time PCR in this study provides a powerful tool for rapid detection and differentiation between genotypes I and II ASFVs and will facilitate efficient control of ASFV in China.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Li et al. (2022) studied African swine fever virus (n=84). Duplex real-time PCR assay was evaluated on Differentiation of genotypes I and II ASFVs. A duplex real-time PCR assay based on the ASFV E296R gene successfully differentiated genotypes I and II African swine fever viruses, identifying all 84 tested clinical samples as genotype II.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: