A COMPARISON OF 2 PCR METHODS FOR THE DET ECTION OF TYPE-1 AND TYPE-4OF EQUINE HERPES-VIRUS

Two PCR methods for the detection and differentiation of EHV-1 and EHV -4 were evaluated by comparison with a direct immunofluorescence assay and virus isolation in cell culture, using 150 clinical samples. One PCX was designed to distinguish between EHV1 and EHV4 and the other to differentiate the modified EHV1 live vaccine strain RacH from the wil d type EHV1. A high correlation was observed between the results of bo th PCRs and virus isolation, but there was a marked discrepancy betwee n the results of the immunofluorescence test and the PCR and virus iso lation procedures. Strain RacH was not detected in any of the samples. The convenience and reliability of PCR for the diagnosis of EHV1 and EHV4 mean that it is the recommended method.