| abstract |
The invention relates to diagnostic methods, probes, detection systems and kits for the identification of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection in a biological sample obtained from a farm animal. It was discovered that a highly conserved region of sequence existed with the 3D coding region of the FMDV genome. This region was found to be strikingly similar, and often identical or with only one or two nucleotide substitution, between the various serotypes of FMDV. Thus, by performing PCR analysis with probes comprising sequences form this region or ELISA with antibodies directed to polypeptide products expressed from this region, a plurality of serotypes of FMDV could be detected from a single test. Further, by including dried PCR reagents plus trehelose, kits could be stored at room temperatures for long periods of time without any significant loss in sensitivity or specificity. Thus, FMDV assays could be performed on site, within the field and quickly so that a diagnosis of FMDV infection can be made within hours. |