APPLICATION OF PCR BASED ON apxIVA GENE FOR RAPID DETECTION OF ACTINOBACILLUS PLEUROPNEUMONIAE

PCR technique, based on apxIVA gene of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, was used to test both bacterial colonies and fresh lung tissue specimens obtained for routine diagnosis. In total, 365 field isolates (previously recognised bacteriologically as A. pleuropneumoniae) and 129 fresh lung tissue samples were tested. PCR test confirmed that 94.5% of the studied isolates belonged to A. pleuropneumoniae. From all tested tissue specimens, 49.6% samples were positive in PCR while only 38% were positive in bacteriological examination. Furthermore, results of 88.4% tested tissue samples were identical in both PCR and bacteriological examinations. In case of 11.6% of tissue specimens only PCR gave positive results. Based on the obtained results, it can be assumed that the apxIVA PCR assay, which is a very specific and sensitive technique, can be helpful in rapid and sensitive diagnosis of pleuropneumonia.