Vergleich labordiagnostischer Methoden zum Nachweis einer Infektion mit dme Virus der Klassischen Schweinepest (KSPV) in der frühen Infektionsphase: Experimentelle Studie

Virus isolation in the PK-15 cell culture, two commercial antigen ELISAs, reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and flow cytometry have been evaluated to detect viremic pigs in the early period of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) infection. Domestic pigs were experimentally inoculated with the virulent CSFV strain 'Alfort 187' and two field isolates. CSFV isolation and RT-PCR were found to be: the most sensitive methods for the detection of highly virulent CSFV in the early period of infection which is characterized by the absence of clinical symptoms. Using antigen ELISAs and flow cytometry CSFV could be detected in infected animals after the onset of clinical signs. After infection with a less virulent CSFV field isolate originating from wild bo;lr, viremic pigs could be identified by direct virus isolation. The reasons for the negative results of the RT-PCR still remain unknown. In conclusion we recommend to modify the procedure (antigen ELISA) for the detection of clinically healthy domestic pigs in accordance with the decision 98/413/EC