Comparison of virus isolation, immunofluorescence and DNA probe hybridization for detection of pseudorabies virus in experimentally infected pigs.

Virus isolation, immunofluorescent staining and DNA probe hybridization, three techniques for the detection of pseudorabies virus (PRV) have been compared in pigs experimentally infected with the Thailand CB-1 strain PRV. The virus isolation and DNA hybridization detection demonstrated a good correlation in detecting infection in live animals by nasal swabbing. In white blood cells an earlier detection was seen with the DNA-hybridization techniques. Consistent results with all the three techniques tested were found in organ materials as nasal mucosa and tonsils as well as in the olfactory bulb.