Abstract of the article: Identification and characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains in endemic countries and understanding their dynamics are crucial for global FMD control. However, the current practice of shipping FMD samples to Reference Laboratories (RL) is costly and poses biosafety challenges, leading to limited knowledge about circulating strains in some endemic areas. To address this issue, we previously developed a low-cost protocol using Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) and 0.2% citric acid for sample shipment, simplifying the process and encouraging sample submission to RL. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of this protocol in the field by collecting 60 suspected FMD clinical samples from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, where FMD is endemic. Sample treatment, LFD testing, and virus inactivation were performed on-site whenever possible. The virus inactivation was confirmed at the RL, and subsequent RNA extraction from the inactivated LFDs confirmed FMDV positivity using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for all 60 samples. Conventional RT-PCR identified the serotype for 86% of the samples, and Sanger sequencing and sequence analyses successfully determined the topotype and/or lineage for 60% of the samples. Additionally, infectious virus was rescued from 15% of the samples after chemical transfection of RNA extracted from inactivated LFDs into permissive cells. Implementing this user-friendly protocol can significantly reduce shipping costs, leading to increased submission of field samples and enhancing our understanding of circulating FMDV strains globally. Link to original article: Field Evaluation of a Safe, Easy, and Low-Cost Protocol for Shipment of Samples from Suspected Cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease to Diagnostic Laboratories (hindawi.com)
Importance of the article:
1. Accurate and Timely Diagnosis: The article emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis of FMD for rapid implementation of control measures. This is crucial for managing outbreaks and minimizing their impact, which aligns with the objectives of Boehringer Ingelheim’s VPH Technical Services.
2. Sample Shipment Challenges: The article highlights the challenges in shipping FMDV samples due to their classification as dangerous goods and the need for transportation in dry ice. The proposed protocol addresses these challenges, potentially making the process more efficient and cost-effective.
3. Inactivation Protocol: The study confirms the safety and effectiveness of the proposed inactivation protocol in the field with fresh samples. This could potentially improve the reliability of FMD diagnosis and control efforts.
4. Real-time Influence in Combating FMD: By facilitating easier and more cost-effective sample submission, the protocol could allow Reference Laboratories and VPH Technical Services to have real-time influence in combating FMD. Timely access to samples means quicker diagnosis, allowing for faster implementation of appropriate control measures and potentially reducing the spread and impact of FMD.
A line in the «C» position indicates a valid test
C
C
T
T
S = Sample T = Test C = Control
5. Enhanced Collaboration: The research involves collaboration with multiple countries and institutions, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in disease control. This aligns with the collaborative approach of VPH Technical Services in working with various stakeholders to combat animal diseases.
S
S
No line in the «T» position indicates a NEGATIVE test result
A line in the «T» position indicates a POSITIVE test result
Figure 1: A schematic diagram of a lateral flow device (LFD) to test for FMD virus from a field sample. This LFD can be inactivated (along with the sample) for simple sample shipment to diagnostic labs.
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator