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Veterinary extension on sampling techniques related to heartwater research
H C Steyn1, C M E McCrindle, D Du Toit
1Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa. steynh@arc.agric.za
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|January 21, 2011
Summary
Heartwater, a tick-borne disease, can now be rapidly diagnosed in live animals using a new quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test. Training para-veterinary staff in correct sampling techniques is crucial for accurate heartwater disease diagnosis and surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Heartwater, caused by Ehrlichia ruminantium, is a major cause of ruminant mortality in South Africa, primarily transmitted by Amblyomma hebraeum ticks.
- Traditional diagnostic methods for heartwater have limitations in accuracy and specificity, hindering effective epidemiological studies.
- Advancements in biotechnology have enabled the development of molecular techniques for improved disease diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test for rapid and accurate diagnosis of heartwater in live animals.
- To establish a molecular epidemiology approach for surveying both ruminants and Amblyomma hebraeum tick populations for heartwater.
- To address challenges in whole blood sampling techniques for qPCR, which differ from traditional serum sampling.
Main Methods:
- Development of a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for Ehrlichia ruminantium detection.
- Implementation of a skills training program for para-veterinary field staff on correct whole blood and tick sampling techniques for qPCR.
- Inclusion of humane animal handling techniques in the training program.
Main Results:
- The qPCR test offers rapid (within 2 hours) and highly sensitive diagnosis of heartwater in live animals, enabling timely treatment.
- Identified that incorrect whole blood sampling techniques can lead to false-negative results, decreasing test sensitivity.
- The developed training program aims to improve sampling accuracy and reduce bias in molecular epidemiological studies.
Conclusions:
- The new qPCR technique provides a significant advancement for live animal diagnosis and population surveillance of heartwater.
- Effective training of para-veterinary staff in specific sampling methods is essential for the reliable application of molecular diagnostic tools.
- This initiative supports enhanced surveillance and control strategies for heartwater disease in South African ruminants.
