*****Please note****

Salmonella PCR

When Salmonella PCR and typing are requested, a culture must be performed.

Additional charges will be incurred.

Real-time PCR assay for detection of Q fever agent, Coxiella burnetii

A real-time PCR assay is now available at ADDL to detect Coxiella burnetii in samples of animal origin.

General information: Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of Q fever in humans.  Q fever is  a zoonotic disease and is endemic throughout the world, except for New Zealand.  In nature, C. burnetii has been detected in several animals, including birds, reptiles, fish and mammals.  Ticks and other arthropods can transmit the bacteria to domestic animals. In cattle, sheep and goats, C. burnetii infection can cause sporadic abortions, though most of the animals develop no apparent disease.  Abortions can also occur in infected cats and dogs.  Infected animals can shed the bacteria intermittently in vaginal discharge, urine, feces and milk.  Humans are highly susceptible to C. burnetii infection - the infectious dose can be as low as 1 bacterium.  Consumption of unpasteurized milk or milk products, inhalation of aerosols generated with placental materials or birth fluids from infected animals are risk factors for acquiring C. burnetii by humans.  Because of the potential to pose a severe threat to human and animal health, C. burnetii is classified as a "select agent" by the US Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Servides (DHHS); possession and use of this agent require Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratory facilities that are registered with and approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or USDA.  As per the federal regulations, samples tested positive for C. burnetti by PCR at ADDL are destroyed within 7 days.  More information on Q fever can be found at the following websites:

http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/Q_fever.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/qfever/#Significance%20for%20Bioterrorism

Sample submission:  Vaginal swabs, placenta, fetal lung, fetal intestinal and stomach contents are the recommended samples.  Milk samples (10-15 ml) can be used to test potential shedding of the bacteria by the infected cows, goats and sheep.  Leak-proof containers should be used for submission of liquid samples.  Vaginal swabs should be placed in tubes with 1 ml of sterile saline solution.  All samples should be submitted to ADDL on ice-packs.

Price: $25/sample

Contact Dr. Vemulapalli at 765-494-7560 or rvemulap@purdue.edu if you have any questions about this PCR assay.

BVD Pooled Ear Notch Test

At the Purdue Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, we are continuously working to provide better service.  We have recently added new tests in the Virology and Molecular Diagnostics section and would like to bring to your attention that a PCR test for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) on pools of up to 25 samples is now offered at the ADDL at $25/pool.  When a pooled sample is positive by PCR,  all samples in that pool will be re-tested individually by antigen  capture ELISA at a cost of $3/sample.  Submit individual fresh samples in 5 ml sterile snap cap tubes, labeled with the animal ID.   Samples will be pooled at ADDL. Samples which have already been pooled will not be accepted.  Be sure to request the pooled BVD PCR on the accession form.   Details on BVDV sample submission can be found at www.addl.purdue.edu/userguide/virology/BVD.htm

It is strongly recommended that ear notchers be disinfected in 10% bleach after collection of each individual sample.  Do not vaccinate or tattoo animals at the same time ear notches are taken.

Please find the updated ADDL submission forms on our website at www.addl.purdue.edu and feel free to contact us at 765-494-7440 for any additional information.

-Steve Hooser, Director
-Roman Pogranichniy, Head of Virology/Serology
-Ramesh Vemulapalli, Head of Molecular Diagnostics