Localization of foot and mouth disease virus RNA in tissue culture infected cells via in situ polymerase chain reaction.

Foot and mouth disease virus RNA was visualized in infected primary tissue culture cells by in situ PCR incorporating digoxigenin-labeled dUTP. The viral RNA polymerase gene was used as a target for amplification. Infected cells revealed cytoplasmic staining, predominantly perinuclear. The intensity of staining was in proportion to the degree of cytopathology observed and similar to the results obtained using immunoperoxidase staining. The in situ PCR technique for FMDV detection could be applied to formalin-fixed samples and be useful for the study of persistent infections.