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Real-time Quaking-induced Conversion Assay for Detection of CWD Prions in Fecal Material
Published on: September 29, 2017
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Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion Detection of PrPSc in Fecal Samples From Chronic Wasting Disease Infected
Soyoun Hwang1, Justin J Greenlee1, Eric M Nicholson1
1Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|March 22, 2021
Summary
Early detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is crucial for management. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays successfully detected CWD prions in feces from both clinical and preclinical deer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Wildlife Ecology
Background:
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease affecting cervids.
- CWD is spreading rapidly in wild and farmed populations globally.
- Prion shedding in bodily fluids facilitates environmental transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays for CWD prion detection.
- To assess the feasibility of using fecal samples for early CWD diagnosis.
- To support disease management through sensitive and non-invasive surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of RT-QuIC reaction conditions (temperature, salt concentration).
- Detection of CWD prion seeding activity in white-tailed deer fecal samples.
- Analysis of samples from both clinical and preclinical stages of infection.
Main Results:
- RT-QuIC successfully detected CWD prion seeding activity in fecal samples.
- All samples from 6 to 30 months post-inoculation showed positive results.
- Optimized assay demonstrated high sensitivity for preclinical CWD detection.
Conclusions:
- RT-QuIC is a sensitive tool for detecting CWD prions in deer feces.
- Non-invasive fecal sample analysis aids in early CWD detection and surveillance.
- This method can significantly support management strategies for CWD in wild and captive cervids.
