African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a widespread disease which infects members of the pig family (Suidae). A number of tick species are believed to be the vector for the disease, as well as being transmitted by raw pork and pig excrement [1]. After firstly being identified in Kenya in 1921, ASFV became endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with regular outbreaks being reported across Europe, Asia and South America throughout the century [2]. More recently the virus was introduced in Georgia and spread throughout the region, as well as mass outbreaks occurring in China in 2018 [3].
ASFV is the only member of the Asfaridae family. It is a large enveloped double stranded DNA virus of icosahedral morphology with an average diameter of 200nm and isolates contain genomes between 170-190Kbp encoding for up to 167 open reading frames [2]. The morphology of ASFV consist of several concentric domains. An inner core contains the nucleoid coated with a thick protein layered core shell, which is surrounded by an inner lipid envelope, all of which is encompassed by the capsid [2]. ASFV begins its replication cycle in the nucleus of infected cells before moving to the cytoplasm where the majority of the replication takes place [2]. Genetranscription is highly regulated, with distinct classes of mRNA identified to accumulate at early, intermediate and late transcripts of the virus [2]. The disease induces acute hemorrhagic disease within its hosts, causing high fevers and skin hemorrhages, with death often occurring within ten days of clinical symptoms appearing [4].
The genesig qPCR Detection Kits for ASFV is for the highly sensitive and specific detection of ASFV, including the most recent Asian strain emerging in China (ASFV-SY18), to at least 100 copies of target.
SPECIFICITY:The Primerdesign genesig kit for African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is designed for the in vitro quantification of ASFV genomes. The kit is designed to have a broad detection profile. Specifically, the primers represent 100% homology with over 95% of the NCBI database reference sequences available at the time of design. The dynamics of genetic variation means that new sequence information may become availableafter the initial design. Primerdesign periodically reviews the detection profiles of our kits and when required releases new versions. The target sequence (p72) has been shown to be a good genetic marker for ASFV in other real time PCR based studies (Tignon et al., 2011). This kit was designed to detect recent isolates from the Chinese outbreak of ASFV and, through the use of multiple probes is predicted to detect strains that have been isolated throughout Europe and Africa.
REAGENTS AND EQUIPMENT TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE USER:
genesig® q16 instrument
genesig® Easy DNA/RNA Extraction KitThis kit is designed to work well with all processes that yield high quality RNA but the genesig® Easy extraction method is recommended for ease of use.
genesig® Lab-In-A-BoxThe genesig® Lab-In-A-Box contains all of the pipettes, tips and racks that you will need to use a genesig® Easy kit. Alternatively if you already have these components and equipment these can be used instead.
INSTRUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS:Designed specifically for the genesig® q16, genesig®
Easy kits are ultra simple and easy to use for users of all experience levels
MasterMix and q16 reaction tubes included
DYNAMIC RANGE OF TEST:Under optimal PCR conditions genesig ASFV detection kits have very high priming efficiencies of >95% and can detect less than 100 copies of target template.
ABOUT THE genesig® KITS:genesig® kits are sold for research use only and are not licensed for diagnostic procedures.
Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is the method of choice for detection and quantification of a wide range of micro organisms. Primerdesign manufactures and supplies high quality quantitative Real-Time PCR kits for the detection and simultaneous quantification of numerous significant pathogens. A copy number standard curve is provided for quantification and an the internal extraction template (DNA or RNA), controls for the quality of the nucleic acid extraction and eliminates false negative results.
The kit is designed with the broadest possible detection profile to ensure that all clinically relevant strains and subtypes are detected. Target sequences are selected by working with data from key opinion leaders in the field. Multiple sequence alignments and unprecedented Real-Time PCR expertise in design and validation ensure the best possible kit.
