RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF SIMIAN VARICELLA USING THE POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

Simian varicella virus (SW) causes sporadic epizootics of a varicella- like disease in nonhuman primates, Rapid diagnosis of simian varicella is critical in controlling epizootics. A polymerase chain reaction (P CR)-based diagnostic assay for detection of SW DNA in cell culture and clinical samples from SW-infected monkeys was developed. The assay is rapid, specific, and highly sensitive, The SW DNA is readily detected in skin rash specimens and in peripheral blood lymphocytes of infecte d monkeys during the early stages of clinical varicella, In addition t o providing an important diagnostic tool, the SW PCR assay is also use ful for investigating the epidemiology and pathogenesis of simian vari cella.