RAPID METHOD UTILIZING THE POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION FOR DETECTION OFCANINE PARVOVIRUS IN FECES OF DIARRHEIC DOGS

By using primers based on the sequence of the VP2 gene of canine parvo virus (CPV), we established a rapid and specific assay for identificat ion of the virus from fecal specimens based on the polymerase chain re action (PCR). By use of a pair of primers, a specific 226-bp sequence was amplified by the PCR. All strains of CPV tested gave a specific am plification product by the PCR, while neither porcine parvovirus nor h ost cell did so. The PCR assay can detect fewer particles of CPV than the conventional methods, being able to detect CPV from fecal specimen s in a rapid manner, provided that gel filtration of the samples throu gh a spun column was done to remove inhibitory substances from the fec al specimens. These results suggest that the PCR assay can detect the presence of CPV in dogs early enough to prevent secondary infection by CPV in veterinary hospitals.