Storage of viruses on filter paper for genetic analysis

The purpose of this study was to develop a method to store viruses on filte r paper without the need for special conditions for future use of the genet ic material. Two non- enveloped viruses were used as models. Infectious bur sal disease virus (IBDV), a double-stranded RNA virus that infects chickens , belongs to the Birnaviridae family. Hemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV), wi th double-stranded DNA, belongs to the Adenoviridae family. Three different solutions were found suitable for loading the virus. The viruses were stor ed at room temperature or at 37 degrees C for periods of 5-30 days. Direct reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (without previous extraction of the RNA) was carried out on filter paper loaded with IBDV, an d fragments of the expected size were detected. HEV DNA was extracted from filter paper loaded with purified virus or crude tissue. PCR fragments were found to be: of similar intensity to those of control virus that was kept in a tube at - 20 degrees C. This method permits the storage and transport of viruses from the field or from clinics to a regional laboratory or any l aboratory elsewhere, without the need for prior treatment or special enviro nmental conditions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.