Specific identification of feline panleukopenia virus and its rapid differentiation from canine parvoviruses using minor groove binder probes

Taking into account reports of the isolation of canine parvoviruses (CPVs) from faecal samples of cats, we developed a real-time PCR assay, based on minor groove binder (MGB) probe technology, for rapid discrimination between true feline panleukopenia viruses (FPLVs) from CPVs. The assay takes advantage of a single nucleotide polymorphism at position 3753 of the viral genome (corresponding to residue 323 of the capsid VP2 protein) and of the ability of MGB probes to bind specifically only to perfectly complementary sequences. The FPV/CPV assay was proven to be highly specific, sensitive and reproducible and correlated well with a TaqMan assay able to recognise canine as well as feline parvoviruses. Using this assay for extensive molecular surveys will provide precise information on the real circulation of the CPV antigenic variants, including the new variant 2c, in cat population worldwide.