RT-PCR IN FOOT-AND-MOUTH-DISEASE DIAGNOSIS

A RT-PCR assay for the specific detection of RNA sequences from foot-a nd-mouth disease virus (FMDV) has been developed. The procedure permit s also the detection of sequences that correlate with established FMDV serotypes. A computer program that allows selection of genotype-speci fic primers for RT-PCR amplification was used for the identification o f FMDV specific sequences for PCR amplification on RNA replicase (3D) gene regions, Specific, rapid and highly sensitive detection was achie ved for a wide collection of RNA samples from FMIDV types C, A and O, either purified from tissue culture or extracted from lesions of infec ted animals. Similarly, serotype-specific primers were designed to amp lify the carboxy-terminal end of the VP1 gene of FMDV types either C, A or O, The results of PCR amplification of different FMDV RNAs using type-specific primers are in agreement with the serological typing of the corresponding viruses. A combination of this approach with a simpl ified sample processing, carried out following direct adsorption of vi ral suspensions to microtiter plates, provides a rapid, reliable metho d of viral diagnosis.