Isolation, Serological and Real time PCR diagnosis of Peste Des Petites Ruminants virus in naturally exposed Arabian Gazelle in Saudi Arabia

Oculo-nasal swab and serum samples collected from peste des petits ruminants (PPR)-suspected Arabian Gazelle (Gazella gazella) were tested . For the presence of peste des petite ruminants virus (PPRV) [pest of small ruminants virus] or itʹs RNA; Immune-capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ic-ELIZA), real time reverse transcription-PCR (rRT-PCR) assay using SYBR Green 1 chemistry as well as virus isolation (VI) were done. The serum was examined for the presence of the PPRV anti-bodies by competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (C-ELIZA). The swab samples and harvested inoculated cells were positive by Immune-capture ELIZA and rRT-PCR. While the tested serum was negative for PPRV anti-bodies. The study indicated the scenario of probably virus circulation in these game animal population and prevalence in actual outbreaks situation, which may be kept in mind while deciding the vaccination strategy for the control of disease. For the authors this is the first report of PPRV isolation and detection among Arabian Gazelle in Saudi Arabia