Flow cytometry as a diagnostic tool for classical swine fever

Flow cytometry (FACS) was investigated to determine its use in the diagnosi s of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in a routine diagnostic laboratory. Its possible usefulness was based on recent successful investigations on t he diagnosis of the closely related pestiviruses, bovine virus diarrhoea or border disease virus. In contrast to these viruses, the diagnostic methods for CSFV require maximum sensitivities and specificities because of the co nsequences of a diagnosis on the actions taken by the animal health service . Also, in the face of an outbreak the number of samples to be examined inc rease dramatically, and therefore diagnostic methods which can be automated are required. The specificity of FACS was as expected and suitable. With r espect to the sensitivity, further assays with CSFV isolates of low virulen ce need to be evaluated. Automated analytical devices and replacement of ce ntrifugation steps could enhance the ability to process large numbers of sa mples. Useful tools such as filter plates and paramagnetic particles have b een established and are commercially available for human diagnostic systems . The reduction in the time to produce a result to approximately half a day together with the power to eliminate non-specific reactions make this an a ttractive methode.