Verification of Sample Collection Sites for PCR-based Detection Assay for Abalone Asfa-like Virus

Abstract

We measured gene quantities of the abalone asfa-like virus (AbALV), which is presumed to be the pathogen of abalone amyotrophia, in various tissues of affected Japanese abalone (Haliotis discus discus) with a quantitative PCR. ​Large quantities of the gene were detected in any tissues or swabs from the body surface. ​No significant difference in the gene quantity was found among tissues, although the gene quantity in the hemolymph was lower. ​The virus was also detected by a conventional PCR from affected animals. ​These results indicate that both PCRs are capable of the detection of AbALV, in any tissues by the destructive test and in body surface mucus by the non-destructive test.