Multiplex Real-Time PCR for PCV2a and PCV2b Identification

Kansas State University
posted on 03/08/2011

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Research at Kansas State University has produced a new multiplex real-time PCR method for differentiating between major strains PCV2a and PCV2b. However, in recent years a new variant strain of PCV2b has developed and become fairly prevalent in Asia and Europe. As a result, research has been conducted and a new real-time PCR detection method to differentiate between the two major strains, PCV2a and PCV2b, as well as the new PCV2b variant has been created at K-State. Compared to the previous real-time PCR identification method, which only had 60% maximum detection for PCV2a/b with the inclusion of the new variant, the new method detects between 94 and 97% of all known, major variant strains tested. Circovirus associated diseases in swine are of increasing concern to producers around the world. Much remains unknown concerning the transmission, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and control of risk factors involved in the expression of circovirus associated diseases such as postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC), and sporadic cases of PCV2-associated reproductive failure. In recent years, two major strains (PCV2 a and b) and various minor strains have developed. The complex nature of the virus and its’ strains have made both detection and treatment difficult to date.

Successful detection of PCV2 strains is essential for proper treatment, vaccination and ultimately, a cure. As a result, this technology would be potentially useful to:

• Commercial diagnostic companies
• Companies researching new vaccines
• Academic researchers

There are few successful detection methods for PCV2. The dynamic nature of the virus only adds to the difficulty. Therefore, this new real-time PCR method with up to 97% accurate detection for all major strains could be the most effective technology to date.