Multi-sampling technique in the diagnosis of <i>peste des petits ruminants</i> virus in goats using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) remains a threat to goat production in Nigeria. The study was designed to evaluate diagnostic efficiencies using different sampling techniques in detecting PPR virus with RT-PCR. A total of 29 samples comprising nasal swabs (NS), ocular swabs (OS), and rectal swabs (RS) were obtained from 13 goats, from suspected outbreaks in three Local Government Areas (LGA), namely Igabi, Sabon Gari and Giwa LGAs, in Kaduna state. More than one sample type (from different routes) here referred to as the multi-sampling technique was obtained per goat in Igabi and Sabon Gari, while a single sample type was obtained per goat in Giwa. The overall detection rate was 31.9%. Only 2 (33.3%) instances existed where only one sample type was positive; whereas on 6 (31.9%) occasions, at least one sample type from the same goat was found positive. The detection rate was 50%, 44.4% and 30% for NS, OS and RS respectively. PPR was not detected in Giwa. In conclusion, using RT-PCR targeting PPRV nucleoprotein gene, NS appeared to have a higher positive detection rate, while RS was the least reliable. Utilizing more than one sample type or multi-sampling technique from different routes per goat enhanced the detection rate of PPRV using RT-PCR.