DETECTION OF TRANSMISSIBLE GASTROENTERITIS VIRUS BY RT-PCR AND DIFFERENTIATION FROM PORCINE RESPIRATORY CORONAVIRUS

An RT-PCR method was developed that amplified genetic material from th e 5' end of the S protein gene of both transmissible gastroenteritis v irus (TGEV) and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), but discrimina ted between the two by the size of the product generated. A number of restriction endonuclease enzymes were assessed for recognition of the amplicons so produced. The assay was shown to detect viral RNA from al l of the 26 different TGEV and PRCV isolates examined, covering a peri od from 1946 to 1996. Detection of TGEV in clinical specimens was poss ible using a spin column method to extract RNA and sensitivity was com pared to virus isolation and antigen detection ELISA. The method could provide a means of confirming positive results from immunological scr eening tests such as FAT and ELISA, reducing the need for virus isolat ion and convalescent serology. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.