Encephalomyocarditis virus

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is a picornavirus of the genus Cardiovirus whose main reservoir is rodents. It can infect a wide range of mammals: in pigs it causes myocarditis and sudden death in piglets and reproductive failure in sows, and it has caused outbreaks in zoo animals and non-human primates. Monitoring is relevant for laboratory rodent colonies, pig farms and zoological collections.

The OneqPCR-realtime™ Encephalomyocarditis virus Kit is a ready-to-use assay for the specific detection of Encephalomyocarditis virus RNA by one-step real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR): reverse transcription and amplification take place in a single tube. Specific primers and a FAM-labelled hydrolysis probe amplify the target, while an internal control detected in the HEX channel reveals possible PCR inhibition or extraction failure. Positive and negative controls are included, and results can be analysed qualitatively or quantitatively using a standard curve.