Detection of Equine Influenza Viral Genome by RT-PCR and RNA-DNA Hybridization

Abstract

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RNA : DNA hybridization based diagnostic

techniques were standardized and used for rapid and specific detection of equine influenza virus. RT -PCR technique

based on amplification of both Non-structural-l <i>(NS1) </i>and Neuraminidase <i>(NA) </i>genes was standardized. Beside this,

RNA-DNA hybridization technique using both non-structural and neuraminidase gene segments specific hot probes

was also developed to directly detect this virus with out involving viral RNA isolation. Both RT-PCR and RNA-DNA

hybridization techniques were successfully used for detection of influenza virus in samples within 24 to 48 hrs. These

techniques can now be used as a routine tests in the laboratory for detection of influenza virus from field samples.