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Optimizing PRRSV Detection: The Impact of Sample Processing and Testing Strategies on Tongue Tips
Igor A D Paploski1, Mariana Kikuti1, Xiaomei Yue1
1Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) detection in pigs is improved using tongue tips. Testing tongue tip fluid (TTF) is more sensitive than tongue tissue homogenate (TTH), and prompt sample handling is crucial for accurate PRRSV diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Swine Health Management
- Diagnostic Pathology
Background:
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes significant economic losses in the U.S. swine industry, estimated at $1.2 billion annually.
- PRRSV is endemic, affecting 30% of U.S. breeding herds yearly, necessitating reliable diagnostic methods.
- Traditional PRRSV detection uses serum or processing fluids; tongue tips from deceased piglets are a potential alternative specimen for herd health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of tongue tips as a diagnostic specimen for PRRSV detection in sow herds.
- To compare different processing (tongue tip fluid vs. tissue homogenate) and pooling strategies for PRRSV detection using tongue tips.
- To assess the impact of storage and shipping conditions on the diagnostic accuracy of PRRSV detection in tongue tip samples.
Main Methods:
- Tongue tips were collected from 20 deceased piglets across seven sow farms.
- Samples were processed as tongue tip fluid (TTF) or tongue tissue homogenate (TTH).
- RT-PCR was used to detect PRRSV, with analyses of individual samples versus pools (n=5, n=20) and simulated storage/shipping conditions (frozen vs. refrigerated).
Main Results:
- Tongue tip fluid (TTF) demonstrated higher sensitivity and lower Ct values compared to tongue tissue homogenate (TTH).
- Pooling strategies reduced diagnostic accuracy for PRRSV detection.
- Frozen samples yielded lower Ct values; refrigerated samples showed a slight increase in Ct values per day, highlighting the importance of timely testing.
Conclusions:
- Tongue tips are a practical specimen for PRRSV detection in dead piglets, offering insights into swine herd health.
- Processing tongue tips as TTF is superior to TTH for enhancing PRRSV diagnostic sensitivity.
- Optimizing sample handling, including prompt testing and appropriate storage, is critical for accurate PRRSV detection from tongue tips.
