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Sensitivity of the standardized pseudorabies virus neutralization test varies with the test strain used
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
Abstract:
The effect of altering the strain of the test virus used in the standardized pseudorabies virus neutralization (VN) test on the sensitivity of the assay was evaluated. Comparative VN tests were performed using 4 different strains: the avirulent Bartha parental, the avirulent recombinant Bartha gIIIKa, the moderately virulent Shope (currently used for the VN test at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, Ames, IA), and the highly virulent P2208 (Funkhauser). A radioimmunoassay and a Western immunoblotting technique were employed to verify the presence of anti-pseudorabies virus (PrV) antibodies in sera. Statistical analysis indicated that replacement of the Shope strain by the Bartha gIIIKa or the P2208 strain resulted in VN titers that were 4.23- and 2.00-fold higher, respectively. Despite these differences, specificity with regard to PrV diagnosis was unaltered. This apparent enhancement of the sensitivity of the PrV VN test would be beneficial for the serologic identification of PrV-infected animals during an eradication effort.
Insights
Altering the test virus strain in the pseudorabies virus neutralization (VN) test significantly enhances assay sensitivity. Using Bartha gIIIKa or P2208 strains increases VN titers, aiding pseudorabies virus eradication efforts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunoserology
- Animal Disease Diagnostics
Background:
- The pseudorabies virus (PrV) neutralization (VN) test is crucial for serological diagnosis.
- Assay sensitivity impacts the effectiveness of animal disease eradication programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different pseudorabies virus strains on the sensitivity of the VN test.
- To determine if alternative strains improve PrV detection for eradication efforts.
Main Methods:
- Comparative VN tests were conducted using four distinct PrV strains: Bartha parental, Bartha gIIIKa, Shope, and P2208.
- Radioimmunoassay and Western immunoblotting were used to confirm anti-PrV antibody presence.
Main Results:
- Replacing the Shope strain with Bartha gIIIKa or P2208 resulted in 4.23- and 2.00-fold higher VN titers, respectively.
- The specificity of the PrV diagnostic assay remained unaltered across tested strains.
Conclusions:
- Utilizing Bartha gIIIKa or P2208 strains enhances the sensitivity of the PrV VN test.
- Increased sensitivity can improve the serologic identification of PrV-infected animals during eradication campaigns.