Application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1).

The researchers used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to effectively identify the equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) in fifty aborted horse fetus samples, proving it more sensitive, specific, and rapid than traditional diagnostic methods.

Research Overview

• This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a molecular biology technique, in identifying the presence of equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) in aborted horse fetuses.
• The sample size used for the investigation was fifty aborted fetus samples, and the researchers were primarily focused on determining whether or not EHV-1 was the infectious agent causing the abortions.

Testing and Results

• The researchers used a specific primer pair for the amplification of a particular gene segment found in EHV-1. This specific segment, located in the gc region, had three Hae III restriction endonuclease sites.
• In the PCR process, when a DNA segment is amplified, it is effectively ‘photocopied’ multiple times, making it easier to study. The specific primer pair in this case was used to replicate that particular segment of EHV-1 DNA.
• The PCR process yielded a 409 base pair segment in 9 out of 50 samples, indicating the presence of EHV-1.
• To further validate their findings, the researchers digested the 409 base pair segment with Hae III, an enzyme that breaks down DNA at specific sites. This action confirmed the presence of EHV-1.

Conclusion

• The findings highlighted the superior efficiency, specificity, and speed of the PCR technique in diagnosing EHV-1 compared to traditional virological diagnostic methods.
• This research represents a significant step towards improving diagnostic methods for equine herpes virus-1, an infectious disease that can cause significant loss in the horse breeding industry.