Development of a consensus reverse transcription PCR assay for the specific detection of tortoise picornaviruses.

摘要: Picornaviruses (PVs) of different terrestrial tortoise species, previously designated as Virus "X," have been frequently detected from various tissues by virus isolation in Terrapene heart cell culture the preferred laboratory method for diagnosis. Here, we describe development 2 diagnostic reverse transcription (RT)-PCR-based assays identification and characterization PVs belonging to tentative genus Topivirus To test novel systems, were isolated swab tissue samples collected Germany, Italy, Hungary between 2000 2013. All 25 tested isolates gave positive results with both consensus primer sets. Sequencing amplified products confirmed that all studied viruses members new proposed Phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished lineages within genus. Based on sequence analysis, no association was observed geographic distribution genetic relatedness. Furthermore, strict host specificity indicated. The PCR-based diagnosis may provide a time-saving sensitive detect PVs, evaluation PV presence these animals help control spread.