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Tests for the PRRS virus itself also exist. These include PCR and virus isolation on clinical samples, and immunohistochemistry on tissues. Nucleic acid sequencing of the 5' end of the virus is commercially availabe ans is useful for comparing isolates recovered from different sites in order to facilitate epidemiological investigations.
 
Tests for the PRRS virus itself also exist. These include PCR and virus isolation on clinical samples, and immunohistochemistry on tissues. Nucleic acid sequencing of the 5' end of the virus is commercially availabe ans is useful for comparing isolates recovered from different sites in order to facilitate epidemiological investigations.
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The following specimens should be collected.
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– For virus isolation and RT-PCR — whole blood (EDTA) and also serum, lung, respiratory tract, spleen
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and tonsils of affected animals. Samples from mummified or aborted litters are unlikely to yield virus, but can
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still be useful for RT-PCR.
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– For antibody testing (serology) — serum from up to 20 exposed animals in the herd.
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Specimens should be chilled and forwarded unfrozen on water ice or with frozen gel packs.
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􀂃 Virus isolation
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Buffy coat, serum, lung, lymph nodes, spleen and tonsils are the specimens of choice. The virus
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replicates well on swine pulmonary alveolar macrophages and some strains, particularly those of
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genotype 2, on Marc 145 cells. Cytopathic effects are evident in 1–4 days. Perform two 7-day
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passages for maximum sensitivity.
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􀂃 RT-PCR
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Whole blood (EDTA), buffy coat and clarified homogenates of the above tissues are best. At this
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time, there is no fully validated PCR that has international acceptability. Please consult the OIE
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Manual for suggested methods.
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􀂃 Serological tests
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IgM can be detected within 7 days of infection and IgG can be detected within 14 days. Humoral
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antibody titres reach a maximum about 5–6 weeks after infection. Antibody can be detected by ELISA
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and by the indirect staining of pre-prepared monolayers of infected cells (IPMA and IFA). Antibody
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levels can drop quite quickly in the absence of circulating virus.
    
==Pathology==
 
==Pathology==
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