Evaluación de PCR en tiempo real en el diagnóstico de leucosis enzoótica bovina en una raza local de Panamá

The objective of this work was to evaluate the RT-PCR test, to detect the bovine enzootic leukosis virus and compare them with the nPCR and AGID tests in 42 animals of the Guaymi breed from 5 regions of Panama. The AGID test identified the lowest number of positive animals (52%) compared to nPCR (71%) and real-time PCR, RT-PCR (76%). Four animals positive to the AGID test were negative to the nPCR and two animals positive to this same test were negative to RT-PCR. 11 of the 20 AGID negative animals tested positive for nPCR and 12 of the 20 AGID negative animals tested positive for RT-PCR. Regarding molecular tests, of the 12 animals that were negative for the nPCR, five were positive for RT-PCR and 10 animals negative for RT-PCR, 3 were positive for nPCR. The sensitivity of nPCR to AGID was 82% while the specificity was 40%; the concordance test between nPCR and AGID was k = 0.316, considered weak while the sensitivity of RT-PCR with AGID was 91% with a specificity of 40%; the concordance test between the two tests was k = 0.222 also considered weak. The RT-PCR technique is presented as a viable alternative within the group of techniques for the diagnosis of bovine enzootic leukosis virus, particularly in an eventual control program and its eradication in conservation centers of Creole races where it is required to maintain a strict control of animal health.