Isolation and molecular diagnosis of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus from contaminated areas in Iran

Due to the numerous reports concerning the Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in different regions of Iran, the isolation and genetic characterization of native isolates is very important. During 2013-2014, 168 samples were collected from whole blood, eye, nasal and oral swabs, and lymph nodes of sheep and goats with clinical signs in nine provinces with infected focal zones in Iran. Vero cell line and primary Lamb Kidney cells were inoculated with isolates and observed at least in 5 consecutive passages for cytopathic effects (CPE). The sheep samples from two provinces, created CPE in both kinds of cell cultures. Observation by electron microscopy and confirmation by RTPCR was used to confirm PPR.