Detection of North American Orthopoxviruses Using Real-Time PCR
Author Information
Author(s): Nadia F Gallardo-Romero, Andres Velasco-Villa, Sonja L Weiss, Ginny L Emerson, Darin S Carroll, Christine M Hughes, Yu Li, Kevin L Karem, Inger K Damon, Victoria A Olson
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
The prevalence of North American orthopoxviruses in nature is unknown and may be more difficult to ascertain due to widespread use of vaccinia virus recombinant vaccines.
Conclusion
The developed real-time PCR assay is a highly sensitive and specific tool for detecting North American orthopoxviruses in animal tissues and bodily fluids.
Supporting Evidence
- The assay showed more sensitivity than tissue culture tests.
- The analytical sensitivity was 1.1 fg for Volepox virus DNA.
- The assay did not cross-react with other orthopoxviruses.
- The assay is capable of detecting low levels of NA OPXV DNA.
Takeaway
Scientists created a new test to find certain viruses in animals, which helps us understand how common these viruses are.
Methodology
A real-time PCR assay was developed to detect North American orthopoxvirus DNA in animal tissues and bodily fluids.
Limitations
The assay may not detect viable virus particles, only viral DNA remnants.
Participant Demographics
Samples were collected from various tissues and bodily fluids of infected and healthy Peromyscus californicus.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.1 fg for VPXV DNA, 1.99 fg for SKPV DNA, 6.4 fg for RCNV DNA
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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