Abstract
It is generally difficult to isolate Akabane virus (AKAV) and detect its gene and antigen from abnormal calves and cattle with neurological symptoms. Using ten clinical samples of Akabane disease obtained in Yamaguchi Prefecture from September 2011 to January 2012, the usefulness of real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) in diagnosis of the disease was examined. AKAV genes were mainly detected from the brain stem, spinal cord and cerebellum of nine cattle with neurological symptoms and an abnormal calf by rRT-PCR. Positive correlations were found between the AKAV gene quantity detected in the central nervous system and the severity of the inflammatory reaction, between AKAV gene quantity and intensity of positive immunoreactivity, and between severity of inflammatory reaction and intensity of positive immunoreactivity. It was suggested that rRT-PCR is useful for more sensitive and accurate diagnosis of Akabane disease.
