Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of minute virus of mice and mouse parvovirus infections in laboratory mice

• Published in: Laboratory animals (London) Vol. 47; no. 2; pp. 116 - 121
• Main Authors: Wang, K W, Chueh, L L, Wang, M H, Huang, Y T, Fang, B H, Chang, C Y, Fang, M C, Chou, J Y, Hsieh, S C, Wan, C H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.04.2013
• Subjects: Actins - genetics; Actins - metabolism; Animals; Mice; Minute Virus of Mice - genetics; Minute Virus of Mice - isolation & purification; Minute Virus of Mice - metabolism; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; Parvoviridae Infections - diagnosis; Parvoviridae Infections - virology; Parvovirus - genetics; Parvovirus - isolation & purification; Parvovirus - metabolism; Rodent Diseases - diagnosis; Rodent Diseases - virology; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Viral Proteins - genetics; Viral Proteins - metabolism; multiplex PCR; Minute virus of mice; α-actin; mouse parvovirus
• ISSN: 0023-6772; 1758-1117
• DOI: 10.1177/0023677213478298

Mouse parvoviruses are among the most prevalent infectious pathogens in contemporary mouse colonies. To improve the efficiency of routine screening for mouse parvovirus infections, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the VP gene was developed. The assay detected minute virus of mice (MVM), mouse parvovirus (MPV) and a mouse housekeeping gene (α-actin) and was able to specifically detect MVM and MPV at levels as low as 50 copies. Co-infection with the two viruses with up to 200-fold differences in viral concentrations can easily be detected. The multiplex PCR assay developed here could be a useful tool for monitoring mouse health and the viral contamination of biological materials.