Quantitative TaqMan (R) RT-PCR for the detection and differentiation of European and North American strains of procine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Since two different types of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), the European (EU) and the North American (US) strain, occur or coexist in European swine herds, their rapid and reliable detection and differentiation is essential for disease surveillance. A quantitative TaqMa n (R) reverse transcription-polymerise chain reaction (RT-PCR) is described for PRRSV detection and strain differentiation. Sensitivity and specificit y were compared with a conventional PRRSV RT-PCR and to the detection of bo th PRRSV types in cell cultures and both were found to be equal or superior to the reference methods. Reproducibility was tested and proved that the a ssay was very reliable. Standard dilutions included in each test allowed ab solute quantitation of the amount of viral RNA. The TaqMan (R) assay descri bed below is time-saving, easy to handle, exhibits a decreased risk of cros s-contamination and is highly sensitive and specific. It is, therefore, con sidered to be a powerful tool for the rapid detection and differentiation o f PRRSV. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.