The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Georgia Veterinary Scholar Program

Georgia Veterinary Scholar	Faculty Mentor

Gretchen Singletary University of Georgia Class of 2007	Dr. David Suarez

Development and Validation of a Real-time RT-PCR Test for Avian Influenza Virus Subtype H4

Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) is type A influenza. The natural hosts are waterfowl and shorebirds, however it is commonly transmitted to commercial poultry. A rapid and accurate diagnosis is vital when a case of AIV is suspected as it can have negative repercussions on international trade and animal health. A Real-time RT-PCR test specific for the H4 subtype of AIV was developed using hydrolysis probes, optimized and compared to the standard detection method of viral isolation. The RRT-PCR test’s limit of detection for some H4 isolates was as low as 10 1 50% egg infectious doses. Specificity of the RRT-PCR test was demonstrated with a panel of 10 North American H4 isolates and a panel containing all 15 Hemagglutinin subtypes. The test was able to detect 8 of 10 known H4 viral isolates, and did not exhibit cross-reaction with any other HA subtypes.