Detection of African horse sickness virus in Culicoides imicola pools using RT ‐qPCR

This study focused on detection of AHSV in Culicoides imicola (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) pools by the application of a RT‐qPCR. Midges were fed on AHSV‐infected blood. A single blood‐engorged female was allocated to pools of unfed nulliparous female midges. Pool sizes varied from 1 to 200. RNA was extracted and prepared for RT‐qPCR. The virus was successfully detected and the optimal pool size for the limit of detection of the virus was determined at a range between 1 to 25. Results from this investigation highlight the need for a standardized protocol for AHSV investigation in Culicoides midges especially for comparison among different studies and for the determination of infection rate.
Source: Journal of Vector Ecology - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research