Rapid diagnosis of strangles (Streptococcus equi subspecies equi) using PCR. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cordoni, Guido; Williams, Adele; Durham, Andy; Florio, Daniela; Zanoni, Renato Giulio; La Ragione, Roberto M.
• Is Part Of: Research in veterinary science. Volume 102(2015)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Equine/horses -- Strangles diagnosis -- Streptococcus equi subsp. equi -- Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus -- Classic and Real Time (RT) direct multiplex PCR; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Médecine vétérinaire -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Diergeneeskunde; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.08.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-5288

Abstract

Abstract: Strangles is one of the most common equine infectious diseases with serious health, welfare and socio-economic impact. However, the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi can be challenging and persistently infected carriers are common. Furthermore, the use of classical microbiology can result in an underestimation of the prevalence of the disease. The difficulties associated with the slow diagnosis of Strangles can result in rapid spread of the disease. Therefore, rapid and economical diagnostic tests are urgently required. Here, two multiplex assays, were developed and validated for the detection of S. equi and S. equi subspecies zooepidemicus, the most common differential diagnosis. Using 59 S. equi and 59 S. zooepidemicus strains collected from various geographical areas, the PCR tests demonstrated a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 98%. Furthermore, the assay can be performed directly from clinical swabs. Thus, the assays designed here provide a rapid, reliable and economical solution for the diagnosis of Strangles. Highlights: We developed two rapid multiplex-PCR based tests (classic/Real Time PCR) for the detection of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi . Tests developed facilitated discrimination between S. equi and S. zooepidemicus . Direct Classic and Real Time PCR from clinical swabs was also investigated and proved successful.