Diagnosis of Equid herpesviruses −1 and −4 by polymerase chain reaction

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Abstract
Summary: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive technique used to detect DNA of viral pathogens. We have applied the technique to the detection of Equid herpesviruses‐1 and −4 (EHV‐1 and EHV‐4) DNA within nasopharyngeal swab samples from horses. Ninety‐eight samples from suspected field cases and in‐contact horses were analysed. The assays were conducted blind and later decoded and compared with virus isolation data. Our results indicate that PCR is a sensitive and rapid technique for the diagnosis of EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 infection.