Comparison of reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid test for the detection of bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus in anatolian water buffaloes

Abstract

Aim: Coronaviruses and Rotaviruses are important virologic factorsfor both animal and human health in Turkey and the world. Bovine Rotavirus (BRV) and Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) in cattle causesignificant economic losses. The aim of this study was to determinethe presence of BRV and BCoV in Anatolian buffaloes which were onthe same farms with cattle. For this purpose, presence of these twoviruses were investigated by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and BRV-BCoV Rapid tests and sensitivity andspecificity ratios of these two tests were compared.Materials and Methods: In this study, 230 Anatolian buffaloes wereclinically evaluated in cattle farms in Afyonkarahisar region. Fecalsamples were collected from 27 buffaloes which had clinical signs(weakness, dehydration, vomiting, watery consistency and yellowstool). The fecal samples were evaluated by Rapid Test and RT-PCRfor Bovine Rotavirus and Bovine Coronavirus. The analyzes wereperformed according to the procedure of the commercial RT-PCRand rapid kits.Results: The RT-PCR results were positive as 22.2% (6/27) for BRVand 3.7% (1/27 27/1)for BcoV while Rota-Corona Rapid test resultswere negative in all samples. When compared with RT-PCR resultsfor both viruses, the rapid test sensitivity and specificity was determined as 0% and 100%, respectively. In addition, positive rates ofBRV was statistically important as BCoV rate in analyzed samples(p<0,05).Conclusion: In conclusion, low sensitivity of rapid test may be dueto the change in the amount of virus scattered throughout the courseof enteric infections.