Detecting Rabies Virus in Decomposed Samples
Author Information
Author(s): Araújo Danielle B, Langoni Helio, Almeida Marilene F, Megid Jane
Primary Institution: UNESP, School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Hypothesis
Can hnRT-PCR detect rabies virus in stored and decomposed brain samples more effectively than RT-PCR?
Conclusion
hnRT-PCR is more sensitive than RT-PCR for detecting rabies virus in stored and decomposed samples.
Supporting Evidence
- hnRT-PCR detected 90% of thawed positive samples compared to 52% for RT-PCR.
- hnRT-PCR detected 75% of decomposed positive samples compared to 34.3% for RT-PCR.
- All previously negative samples were confirmed negative by both RT-PCR and hnRT-PCR.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special test called hnRT-PCR can find the rabies virus in brain samples that have been frozen and then left out to decompose.
Methodology
The study analyzed 151 brain samples from different animal species using RT-PCR and hnRT-PCR techniques.
Limitations
Sensitivity decreased in decomposed samples, and the study did not evaluate samples stored at temperatures lower than -20°C.
Participant Demographics
Samples included 18 equines and 32 bovines.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website