rodent and rabbit assay data sheet
Sendai virus (SEND)
Test code: S0099
- Ultrasensitive
qualitative detection of Sendai virus by reverse transcription
real time PCR
Sendai virus (SEND) is an RNA paramyxovirus
of the parainfluenza type 1 group. Mice infected with this
virus develop labored breathing and decreased fecundity. In
DBA/2 and immune deficient mice, the infection is almost
always fatal. This virus immunosuppresses affected mice and
predisposes them to secondary bacterial infections.
Generally, no clinical signs are observed in
mice in endemically infected colonies. Thus many mice may be
carriers of the virus. In clinically apparent infections,
signs are variable but may include chattering, mild
respiratory distress to labored breathing, and decreased
fecundity in adults. Deaths (possibly whole litters) in
neonates and suckling mice can occur due to the weak immune
defense at this age. In young adult mice, poor growth is
common.
Direct contact is the primary means of viral
spread. The virus is not environmentally stable, but can be
transmitted by fomites because of the quantities of virus
excreted from infected mice.
Serology testing for these viruses has been
used extensively to test for the immune status of mice.
However, this testing approach is often inadequate to control
the spread of the virus, largely because it takes a long time
to generate a detectable serological response when the mice
are exposed to this virus. Secondly, the sensitivity of
serological testing is often not comparable to molecular
detection by PCR. Thirdly, serological testing cannot be
applied to immunosuppressed mice, such as nude mice. Fourthly,
swabs can be conveniently used by PCR to detect the presence
of Sendai virus.
Utilities:
- Confirm the disease causing agent
- Shorten the time required to confirm a
clinical diagnosis of Sendai virus
- Ensure that vivariums are free of Sendai
virus
- Early prevention of spread of Sendai
virus among a vivarium
- Minimize personnel exposure to this virus
- Safety monitoring of biological products
that derive from mice
Specimen requirements:
Nasopharyngeal swab or tracheal or lung tissue, shipped
overnight at room temperature, or tissue shipped frozen.
For specimen types other than those listed
here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and
shipping instructions.
For all specimen types, if there will be a
delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate
specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more
stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen
specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit.
See shipping instructions for
more information.
Turnaround time: 2 business
days
Methodology: Ultrasensitive
qualitative reverse transcription real time polymerase chain
reaction
Normal range: Nondetected