Possibility Of Using Urine Samples For Detection Of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus In Egyptian Cattle

This study aims to employ urine as an easily accessible sample for the detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Thus, a periodic scan can be applied easily to reach an efficient control of the disease. A total of 86 different samples collected from 30 animals (dams n=23 and calves n=7) were raised in a farm with 1,200 cattle in the El-Fayoum district in Egypt with a case history of abortions were used for this study. All samples were subjected to virological investigation using indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) and virus neutralization tests (VNT) to detect BVDV. Isolation of the virus was achieved using MDBK cells. The isolates were confirmed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The BVDV was detected in nasal swabs in 63.33% and 70% using IFAT and VNT. In urine samples, the virus was detected with 46.66% and 43.33% by IFAT and VNT, respectively. BVDV was detected in most of the tissues of aborted fetuses in both techniques. Vaginal swabs revealed positive results in 53.85% and 61.54% by IFAT and VNT, respectively. Isolates were confirmed by RT-PCR by successful amplification of 288bp. Statistical analysis revealed good correlation of urine samples and other samples. In conclusion, the BVDV virus can be isolated from urine samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that provides an overview of urine usability as an alternative sample for BVD virus diagnostics in Egypt. The recommendation for further studies should elucidate on a large scale population.