Molecular Diagnosis of CSF Virus Isolated from Indian Origin

Abstract

This case study describes the detection of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) in Karnataka state, India during the year 2009-10.Three cases of acute mortality in small-scale pig farming units were investigated. In all the cases, affected pigs were not vaccinated against CSF. Constant pyrexia, dyspnoea, anorexia, lethargy, conjunctivitis, hyperaemia of the ears and convulsions were the primary clinical signs observed in all the cases. Clinical signs and necropsy findings suggested an early presumptive diagnosis of CSF. Presumptive diagnosis was further strengthened by molecular diagnosis by specific amplification of the 5' UTR region of the virus by subjecting pooled tissue materials to one-step RT-PCR. Strengthening the presumptive diagnosis by the aid of molecular diagnostic techniques is important not only to prevent the spread of the disease but also to evolve suitable strategy to control the disease.