| Three rat parvoviruses, rat minute virus 1a, b, c (RMV-1a, b, c), distinct from Kilham rat virus (KRV), Toolan's H-1 parvovirus (H-1), and rat parvovirus 1a (RPV-1a), have been identified in naturally infected rats of four origin. The viral DNA genome sequences of three RMV-1 variants have been determined. Comparisons of nucleotide and amino acid sequences revealed the three RMV-1 variants are closely related to each other, are distinct but closely related to KRV and H-1, and are significantly different from RPV-1a.; Two diagnostic PCR assays to specifically detect RMV-1 and RPV-1 were developed. These two PCR assays were shown to be sensitive, specific and rapid methods to detect RMV-1 and RPV-1 infections in laboratory rats. These assays may also be used to detect RMV-1 and RPV-1 contamination of cell lines and other biological samples.; An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that uses recombinant capsid protein of RMV-1 as an antigen has been developed to detect antibodies in RMV-1 infected rats. The cDNA of the major capsid protein (VP2) was cloned from RMV-1 infected tissues, expressed in insect cells and used to develop an ELISA (RMV rVP2 ELISA). Comparison of the RMV rVP2 ELISA with the rNS1 ELISA indicated that the RMV rVP2 ELISA was more sensitive and specific for detection of RMV-1 antibodies. |
