A one-step TaqMan real-time qRT-PCR assay for the specific detection and quantitation of the Spanish goat encephalitis virus (SGEV)

Louping ill-like virus (LI) has been recently detected in two different locations in the north of Spain and separated by only around 400 km. Using molecular approaches, the viruses causing both outbreaks have been shown to be different to LI virus, but also different to each other. They have been called SSEV (Spanish sheep encephalitis virus) and SGEV (Spanish goat encephalitis virus) taking into account the species from which they were isolated. The aim of this paper was to design a quantitative TaqMan real-time RT-PCR protocol, for the specific diagnostic and quantitation of SGEV. Linearity, efficiency and dynamic range as well as reproducibility and specificity of the method has been tested and established. The method has proved to be valid for the specific detection and viral load quantitation of SGEV genome in virus isolates and tissue samples from infected animals. This assay will be a useful analytical tool in early diagnosis and epidemiological surveys.