Use of FTA card for the detection of two RNA (CSFV and SV-A) and two DNA viruses (ASFVand SuHV-1) of importance in veterinary medicine.

The FTA card has emerged as a promising alternative for nucleic acid extraction. The FTA card is a filter paper impregnated with chemicals that preserve and stabilize the genetic material present in the sample, allowing for its storage and transport at room temperature. The aim of this study was to test the card for the detection of RNA and DNA nucleic acids. Two RNA viruses (Senecavirus A and classical swine fever virus) and two DNA viruses (African swine fever virus and suid alphaherpesvirus 1) were tested, and in all cases, there was a decrease in sensitivity. The methods exhibited good repeatability and demonstrated a rapid and practical use for sample transport and nucleic acid extraction.

Detection and Genome Sequence Analysis of Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype A Viruses Circulating in Commercial Chicken Flocks in Mexico.

Avian metapneumoviruses (aMPV subtypes A-D) are respiratory and reproductive pathogens of poultry. Since aMPV-A was initially reported in Mexico in 2014, there have been no additional reports of its detection in the country. Using nontargeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of FTA card-spotted respiratory samples from commercial chickens in Mexico, seven full genome sequences of aMPV-A (lengths of 13,288-13,381 nucleotides) were de novo assembled. Additionally, complete coding sequences of genes N (n = 2), P and M (n = 7 each), F and L (n = 1 each), M2 (n = 6), SH (n = 5) and G (n = 2) were reference-based assembled from another seven samples. The Mexican isolates phylogenetically group with, but in a distinct clade separate from, other aMPV-A strains. The genome and G-gene nt sequences of the Mexican aMPVs are closest to strain UK/8544/06 (97.22-97.47% and 95.07-95.83%, respectively). Various amino acid variations distinguish the Mexican isolates from each other, and other aMPV-A strains, most of which are in the G (n = 38), F (n = 12), and L (n = 19) proteins. Using our sequence data and publicly available aMPV-A data, we revised a previously published rRT-PCR test, which resulted in different cycling and amplification conditions for aMPV-A to make it more compatible with other commonly used rRT-PCR diagnostic cycling conditions. This is the first comprehensive sequence analysis of aMPVs in Mexico and demonstrates the value of nontargeted NGS to identify pathogens where targeted virus surveillance is likely not routinely performed.

Exposing the Great Imitator: Proposal for a Holistic Diagnosis of Oral Secondary Syphilis in People Living with HIV.

Oral secondary syphilis may mimic various infectious, neoplastic, or immune-mediated processes; hence, its diagnosis may represent a challenge. Early diagnosis of syphilis, a disease that has increased in recent decades, is essential for adequate management, particularly in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to comprehensively characterize oral secondary syphilis in a group of 47 PLWH. A group of PLWH with oral secondary syphilis attending four HIV-referral centers in Mexico City was included (2004-2021). Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved, and an exhaustive oral examination was performed following the established criteria. Demographic, clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and serological features of the patients were analyzed. Approximately 11% of PLWH with oral secondary syphilis demonstrated negative Venereal Disease Research Laboratory tests. A noticeable feature was the absence of symptoms in 95.7% of cases, despite the clinically evident appearance of the lesions. In contrast to previous results, 18% of ulcerations were detected to be deep, crateriform, and infiltrative, and 22% of the mucous patches were highly keratotic lesions. Most samples (77.3%) showed superficial lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the superficial lamina propria, with perivascular and perineural patterns, and immunohistochemistry was positive in 66.7% of the cases. The "great imitator" appears not only clinically but also histopathologically and immunohistochemically, where features may be comparable with those of chronic inflammatory processes, deep infections, or malignant processes. Although not recommended as a routine assay, IHC could be a critical tool, particularly in PLWH with atypical clinical features or with negative and/or dubious serology.

Challenges of the Colombian agricultural sector after the signature of the commercial promotion agreement between the United States and Colombia / Desafíos del sector agropecuario colombiano tras la firma del acuerdo de promoción comercial entre estados unidos y colombia

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente artículo es determinar cómo se vieron afectadas las condiciones laborales del sector agropecuario colombiano, dentro del marco de efectos sociales, tras la firma del acuerdo de promoción comercial entre Colombia y Estados Unidos. Para esto, se realizó una adaptación macroeconómica de los indicadores GRI versión G4 en la categoría desempeño social. Esta adaptación permitió analizar la información sectorial y aplicarlos en la población laboral del sector agropecuario colombiano. La metodología utilizada fue cualitativa con énfasis en un método de lista de comprobación y análisis de indicadores, y se encontraron dos resultados importantes. En primer lugar, que el acuerdo comercial entre ambos países es superficial al momento de salvaguardar las condiciones laborales del sector, sin profundizar en aspectos específicos que reglamenten el contexto laboral. En segundo lugar, se evidenció que a pesar de los aumentos significativos en las tasas de contrataciones, las afiliaciones a entidades prestadoras de salud o administradoras de riesgos profesionales de empleados, la mayor parte del sector agropecuario colombiano opera bajo la informalidad. Finalmente, se puede afirmar que las condiciones laborales del sector agropecuario colombiano, dentro del marco de efectos sociales, tras la firma del acuerdo de promoción comercial entre Colombia y Estados Unidos no se vieron afectadas de manera positiva. La informalidad y la falta de regulación sigue siendo un factor común en el sector.

ABSTRACT The objective of this article is to determine how the labor conditions of the Colombian agricultural sector were affected, within the framework of social effects, after the signing of the Trade Promotion Agreement between Colombia and the United States. For this, a macroeconomic adaptation of GRI indicators version G4 in the social performance category was made. This adaptation made it possible to analyze sectoral information and apply it to the labor population of the Colombian agricultural sector. The methodology used was qualitative with emphasis on a checklist method and analysis of indicators, and two important results were found. First, that the trade agreement between both countries is superficial at the moment of safeguarding the labor conditions of the sector, without going into specific aspects that regulate the labor context. Secondly, it was evident that despite the significant increases in contracting rates, affiliations with health providers or managers of occupational risks for employees, most of the Colombian agricultural sector operates under informality. Finally, it can be affirmed that the labor conditions of the Colombian agricultural sector, within the framework of social effects, after the signing of the Trade Promotion Agreement between Colombia and the United States were not affected in a positive manner. Informality and lack of regulation continues to be a common factor in the sector.

Assessment of FTA card employment for Pasteurella multocida DNA transport and detection of virulence-associated genes in strains isolated from fowl cholera in the United States / Avaliação do emprego de cartões FTA para o transporte do DNA de Pasteurella multocida e pesquisa de genes associados à virulência em cepas isoladas de cólera aviária nos Estados Unidos

Fowl Cholera (FC) is a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida. The severity of this disease is partly caused by virulence factors. Genes encoding fimbriae, capsule, sialidases and proteins for iron metabolism may be related to P. multocida's ability to infect the host. Besides to examining DNA for the presence of virulence genes, DNA is essential for the diagnostic and FTA cards are an alternative for genetic material transport. The study aims to evaluate the viability of P. multocida DNA transport using the cards and to detect 14 virulence genes in 27 strains isolated from FC cases in the United States by multiplex-PCR. No growth was observed in any of the FTA cards, which was essential to assess the security. Furthermore, DNA detection was possible in 100% of the samples, independent of the storage period (7 to 35 days) and temperature (4°C and 37°C). ptfA, exbd-tonB, hgbA, nanB, oma87, hyaD-hyaC, sodC, hgbB, sodA, nanH and pfhA genes were detected in more than 80% of the samples. FTA cards have proven to be a viable and safe tool for DNA transport of P. multocida. A majority of genes showed a high frequency, which was similar to strains isolated from FC cases.(AU)

Cólera aviária (CA) é uma doença causada pela bactéria Pasteurella multocida e a severidade dos casos é em parte justificada por fatores de virulência. Genes codificando fímbrias, cápsulas, sialidases, dismutases e proteínas do metabolismo férrico podem ser relacionados à capacidade do agente em infectar o hospedeiro. Além da obtenção do DNA para pesquisa de genes de virulência, o material genético é fundamental para o diagnóstico, e os cartões FTA seriam uma alternativa no transporte de microrganismos. Os objetivos da presente pesquisa foram avaliar a viabilidade do transporte de DNA de P. multocida através dos cartões e detectar 14 genes de virulência em 27 cepas isoladas de CA nos Estados Unidos, por meio de multiplex-PCR. Nenhuma das amostras para análise microbiológica da segurança dos cartões apresentou crescimento. Foi possível a detecção do DNA em 100% das amostras, independentemente do tempo de estocagem (sete a 35 dias) e das temperaturas (4°C e 37°C) avaliadas. Genes ptfA, exbd-tonB, hgbA, nanB, oma87, hyaD-hyaC, sodC, hgbB, sodA, nanH e pfhA foram detectados em mais de 80% das amostras. Os cartões FTA demonstraram ser uma ferramenta viável e segura para o transporte do DNA de P. multocida. A maioria dos genes apresentou uma alta frequência, compatível com isolados de CA.(AU)

Assessment of FTA card employment for Pasteurella multocida DNA transport and detection of virulence-associated genes in strains isolated from fowl cholera in the United States / Avaliação do emprego de cartões FTA para o transporte do DNA de Pasteurella multocida e pesquisa de genes associados à virulência em cepas isoladas de cólera aviária nos Estados Unidos

Fowl Cholera (FC) is a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida. The severity of this disease is partly caused by virulence factors. Genes encoding fimbriae, capsule, sialidases and proteins for iron metabolism may be related to P. multocida's ability to infect the host. Besides to examining DNA for the presence of virulence genes, DNA is essential for the diagnostic and FTA cards are an alternative for genetic material transport. The study aims to evaluate the viability of P. multocida DNA transport using the cards and to detect 14 virulence genes in 27 strains isolated from FC cases in the United States by multiplex-PCR. No growth was observed in any of the FTA cards, which was essential to assess the security. Furthermore, DNA detection was possible in 100% of the samples, independent of the storage period (7 to 35 days) and temperature (4°C and 37°C). ptfA, exbd-tonB, hgbA, nanB, oma87, hyaD-hyaC, sodC, hgbB, sodA, nanH and pfhA genes were detected in more than 80% of the samples. FTA cards have proven to be a viable and safe tool for DNA transport of P. multocida. A majority of genes showed a high frequency, which was similar to strains isolated from FC cases.(AU)

Cólera aviária (CA) é uma doença causada pela bactéria Pasteurella multocida e a severidade dos casos é em parte justificada por fatores de virulência. Genes codificando fímbrias, cápsulas, sialidases, dismutases e proteínas do metabolismo férrico podem ser relacionados à capacidade do agente em infectar o hospedeiro. Além da obtenção do DNA para pesquisa de genes de virulência, o material genético é fundamental para o diagnóstico, e os cartões FTA seriam uma alternativa no transporte de microrganismos. Os objetivos da presente pesquisa foram avaliar a viabilidade do transporte de DNA de P. multocida através dos cartões e detectar 14 genes de virulência em 27 cepas isoladas de CA nos Estados Unidos, por meio de multiplex-PCR. Nenhuma das amostras para análise microbiológica da segurança dos cartões apresentou crescimento. Foi possível a detecção do DNA em 100% das amostras, independentemente do tempo de estocagem (sete a 35 dias) e das temperaturas (4°C e 37°C) avaliadas. Genes ptfA, exbd-tonB, hgbA, nanB, oma87, hyaD-hyaC, sodC, hgbB, sodA, nanH e pfhA foram detectados em mais de 80% das amostras. Os cartões FTA demonstraram ser uma ferramenta viável e segura para o transporte do DNA de P. multocida. A maioria dos genes apresentou uma alta frequência, compatível com isolados de CA.(AU)

The use of FTA cards for transport and detection of gyrA mutation of Campylobacter jejuni from poultry.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a technique involving the use of commercially available FTA classic card (Whatman) for transporting and detection of DNA to use in PCR analysis and genetic sequencing of Campylobacter jejuni of poultry origin. Fifty isolates of Campylobacter jejuni were obtained from broiler carcasses in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to ciprofloxacin revealed that all 50 isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Each isolate was transferred to Brucella broth tubes and incubated overnight at 41.5°C. Cell cultures were diluted to match a McFarland Turbidity Standard 0.5, and 110 µL of the cell suspension were applied to one circle on Whatman FTA classic cards. The samples were then covered and allowed to dry at room temperature. Cards were identified and stored at room temperature until further use (3 mo after collection). FTA cards were shipped for analysis to the Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas. Amplification of the Campylobacter gyrA gene was successful and demonstrated strong bands for a large amplicon for all 50 samples preserved on FTA cards. Mutations present in each gene were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Then, 7 samples were chosen for the sequencing. The detection of a mutation regarding ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates revealed that 7 samples had a mutation in the gyrA gene. In conclusion, the characteristics of the profiles suggest that the DNA has maintained its integrity after 3 mo of storage at room temperature and is a suitable template for PCR and sequencing from Campylobacter samples. The application of this technology has potential in numerous methodologies, especially when working in remote areas and in developing countries where access to laboratory facilities and equipment is limited.

A rapid molecular diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis by colorimetric malachite green-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) combined with an FTA card as a direct sampling tool.

Leishmaniasis remains one of the world's most neglected diseases, and early detection of the infectious agent, especially in developing countries, will require a simple and rapid test. In this study, we established a quick, one-step, single-tube, highly sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Leishmania DNA from tissue materials spotted on an FTA card. An FTA-LAMP with pre-added malachite green was performed at 64°C for 60min using a heating block and/or water bath and DNA amplification was detected immediately after incubation. The LAMP assay had high detection sensitivity down to a level of 0.01 parasites per µl. The field- and clinic-applicability of the colorimetric FTA-LAMP assay was demonstrated with 122 clinical samples collected from patients suspected of having cutaneous leishmaniasis in Peru, from which 71 positives were detected. The LAMP assay in combination with an FTA card described here is rapid and sensitive, as well as simple to perform, and has great potential usefulness for diagnosis and surveillance of leishmaniasis in endemic areas.

Secundarismo sifilítico en infección por VIH, con fenómeno de Prozona / Secondary syphilis in hiv infection, with Prozone phenomenon

Resumen La sífilis es una enfermedad infectocontagiosa, de transmisión sexual, con una expresión clínica muyvariada, que tiene clara relación la evolución clínica, tiempo de infección e inmunidad del huésped. En los pacientes con infección por VIH, las etapas de la sífilis pueden tener formas evolutivas diferentes, habitualmente más severas. En pacientes con sífilis e infección por VIH se puede presentar el fenómeno de Prozona, que consiste en serología VDRL no reactiva, falsamente negativa, que debemostener en cuenta en estos pacientes para hacer estudios adicionales que nos encaminen a diagnóstico y tratamiento acertado. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 69-71).

Abstract Syphilis is an infectious disease, sexually transmitted, with a varied clinical expression, which has clear relationship to clinical evolution, time of infection and host immunity. In patients with HIV infection, stages of syphilis may have different evolutionary forms usually more severe. In patients with syphilis and HIV infection can occur Prozone phenomenon, which consists of nonreactive VDRL serology falsely negative that we must take into account in these patients for additional studies that will lead us to succesful diagnosis and treatment. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 69-71).

Use of FTA elute card impregnated with cervicovaginal sample directly into the amplification reaction increases the detection of human papillomavirus DNA

This study aimed to evaluate the use of the FTA elute cardTM impregnated with cervicovaginal sample directly in the PCR amplification for detection of HPV-DNA. The results were compared to a reference technique. This method was more efficient than the protocol indicated by the manufacturer, identifying 91.7% against 54.2% of the positive samples.

Use of FTA elute card impregnated with cervicovaginal sample directly into the amplification reaction increases the detection of human papillomavirus DNA.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of the FTA elute card(TM) impregnated with cervicovaginal sample directly in the PCR amplification for detection of HPV-DNA. The results were compared to a reference technique. This method was more efficient than the protocol indicated by the manufacturer, identifying 91.7% against 54.2% of the positive samples.

Use of FTA cards for the transport of DNA samples of Salmonella spp. from poultry products from southern Brazil / Uso dos cartões FTA para o transporte de amostras de DNA de Salmonella spp. isoladas de produtos avícolas do Sul do Brasil

Background: The contamination of products with Salmonella is a major threat to the poultry industry because the possible transmission to humans and animals can produce a huge negative impact. The diversity of Salmonella enterica serotypes complicates the diagnostic systems and the transport of live cultures to the diagnostic labs may represent a biohazard. Current methods for serotyping using antibodies do not work well for many Salmonella serotypes and reagents are not often available. For these reasons, methods that assign serotype by the analysis of DNA are preferred. One step that is currently in development is streamlining methods for DNA submission to the laboratories for sequencing. For this purpose, we investigated fi lter papers commercially available (Flinders Technology Associates - FTA) to ship DNA samples. Filter papers are impregnated with a chemical formulation that lyses cells, immobilizes DNA, and protects it from degradation. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the FTA cards for transporting Salmonella DNA samples in order to reduce biohazards and if they would yield enough DNA in quantity and quality for molecular analyses.Material, Methods & Results: In this study 156 samples of Salmonella enterica serotypes Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Hadar, Gallinarum, Typhimurium, Agona and Pullorum were isolated from poultry products and environ

Background: The contamination of products with Salmonella is a major threat to the poultry industry because the possible transmission to humans and animals can produce a huge negative impact. The diversity of Salmonella enterica serotypes complicates the diagnostic systems and the transport of live cultures to the diagnostic labs may represent a biohazard. Current methods for serotyping using antibodies do not work well for many Salmonella serotypes and reagents are not often available. For these reasons, methods that assign serotype by the analysis of DNA are preferred. One step that is currently in development is streamlining methods for DNA submission to the laboratories for sequencing. For this purpose, we investigated fi lter papers commercially available (Flinders Technology Associates - FTA) to ship DNA samples. Filter papers are impregnated with a chemical formulation that lyses cells, immobilizes DNA, and protects it from degradation. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the FTA cards for transporting Salmonella DNA samples in order to reduce biohazards and if they would yield enough DNA in quantity and quality for molecular analyses.Material, Methods & Results: In this study 156 samples of Salmonella enterica serotypes Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Hadar, Gallinarum, Typhimurium, Agona and Pullorum were isolated from poultry products and environ

Use of FTA elute card impregnated with cervicovaginal sample directly into the amplification reaction increases the detection of human papillomavirus DNA

This study aimed to evaluate the use of the FTA elute cardTM impregnated with cervicovaginal sample directly in the PCR amplification for detection of HPV-DNA. The results were compared to a reference technique. This method was more efficient than the protocol indicated by the manufacturer, identifying 91.7% against 54.2% of the positive samples.

Use of FTA cards for the transport of DNA samples of Salmonella spp. from poultry products from southern Brazil / Uso dos cartões FTA para o transporte de amostras de DNA de Salmonella spp. isoladas de produtos avícolas do Sul do Brasil

Background: The contamination of products with Salmonella is a major threat to the poultry industry because the possible transmission to humans and animals can produce a huge negative impact. The diversity of Salmonella enterica serotypes complicates the diagnostic systems and the transport of live cultures to the diagnostic labs may represent a biohazard. Current methods for serotyping using antibodies do not work well for many Salmonella serotypes and reagents are not often available. For these reasons, methods that assign serotype by the analysis of DNA are preferred. One step that is currently in development is streamlining methods for DNA submission to the laboratories for sequencing. For this purpose, we investigated fi lter papers commercially available (Flinders Technology Associates - FTA) to ship DNA samples. Filter papers are impregnated with a chemical formulation that lyses cells, immobilizes DNA, and protects it from degradation. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the FTA cards for transporting Salmonella DNA samples in order to reduce biohazards and if they would yield enough DNA in quantity and quality for molecular analyses.Material, Methods & Results: In this study 156 samples of Salmonella enterica serotypes Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Hadar, Gallinarum, Typhimurium, Agona and Pullorum were isolated from poultry products and environ

Background: The contamination of products with Salmonella is a major threat to the poultry industry because the possible transmission to humans and animals can produce a huge negative impact. The diversity of Salmonella enterica serotypes complicates the diagnostic systems and the transport of live cultures to the diagnostic labs may represent a biohazard. Current methods for serotyping using antibodies do not work well for many Salmonella serotypes and reagents are not often available. For these reasons, methods that assign serotype by the analysis of DNA are preferred. One step that is currently in development is streamlining methods for DNA submission to the laboratories for sequencing. For this purpose, we investigated fi lter papers commercially available (Flinders Technology Associates - FTA) to ship DNA samples. Filter papers are impregnated with a chemical formulation that lyses cells, immobilizes DNA, and protects it from degradation. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the FTA cards for transporting Salmonella DNA samples in order to reduce biohazards and if they would yield enough DNA in quantity and quality for molecular analyses.Material, Methods & Results: In this study 156 samples of Salmonella enterica serotypes Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Hadar, Gallinarum, Typhimurium, Agona and Pullorum were isolated from poultry products and environ

Uso dos cartões FTA para o transporte de amostras de DNA de Salmonella spp. isoladas de produtos avícolas do Sul do Brasil / Use of FTA cards for the transport of DNA samples of Salmonella spp. from poultry products from Southern Brazil

Background: The contamination of products with Salmonella is a major threat to the poultry industry because the possible transmission to humans and animals can produce a huge negative impact. The diversity of Salmonella enterica serotypes complicates the diagnostic systems and the transport of live cultures to the diagnostic labs may represent a biohazard. Current methods for serotyping using antibodies do not work well for many Salmonella serotypes and reagents are not often available. For these reasons, methods that assign serotype by the analysis of DNA are preferred. One step that is currently in development is streamlining methods for DNA submission to the laboratories for sequencing. For this purpose, we investigated fi lter papers commercially available (Flinders Technology Associates - FTA) to ship DNA samples. Filter papers are impregnated with a chemical formulation that lyses cells, immobilizes DNA, and protects it from degradation. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the FTA cards for transporting Salmonella DNA samples in order to reduce biohazards and if they would yield enough DNA in quantity and quality for molecular analyses. Material, Methods & Results: In this study 156 samples of Salmonella enterica serotypes Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Hadar, Gallinarum, Typhimurium, Agona and Pullorum were isolated from poultry products and environments in southern Brazil. Samples were stored in the Avian Diagnostic and Research Center of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Following instructions for spotting cards with cell cultures at a density that visually matched a McFarland Turbidity Standard 0,5; they were shipped to the Agriculture Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS, Athens, GA-USA), using FTA cards. Upon the reception of the cards, safety testing was performed by transferring one disk from each sample into 10 mL of brain heart infusion (BHI) tubes and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The BHI tube that showed turbidity after incubation was transferred to brilliant green (BG) agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h to 48 h. If colonies were obtained in BG, biochemical analyses were performed by using the Enterotube method. Only one sample (S. Enteritidis) showed turbidity in BHI, but any bacterial growth was observed in the BG agar. The average DNA concentration, as measured by spectrophotometry, was 42,32 (± 9,84) ng/µL and the average 280/260 ratio was 1,9 (± 0,09). All the analyzed samples were negative for live cultures of Salmonella and the DNA obtained was suitable for molecular testing. Discussion: FTA cards can be used to transport DNA samples from pathogenic bacteria, reducing biohazards associated with shipping live cultures. The possibility of shipping DNA, in an economic and safe way, for testing samples at the laboratories facilitates the identification of Salmonella enterica serotypes that are circulating in the environment of poultry. Turbidity in BHI tubes that did not result in colonies on agar media may be caused by the presence of other contaminants such as environmental saprophytic microorganisms that may occurred during the process of handling the cards. DNA samples of Salmonella enterica shipped from Brazil to the United States for this set of isolates did not show bacterial growth. Thus the FTA cards provided safe and effective inactivation of the pathogen, and the DNA obtained from the cards were adequate for downstream analyses.

Polimorfismos en la longitud de fragmentos amplificados (AFLP´s) a partir de muestras de sangre almacenadas en tarjetas FTA®para la especie Cavia porcellus Lin. (Rodentia: Caviidae). / Amplified Fragments Length Polymorphisms (AFLP´s) from blood samples stored in FTA® cards for Cavia porcellus

Una manera eficaz de establecer el grado de variabilidad entre y dentro de poblaciones, es a través del análisis de polimorfismos de ADN con marcadores moleculares como los AFLP`s. En este artículo se presenta una metodología que combina la utilización de tarjetas de FTA® (Whatman Bioscience, Cambridge) para colección y conservación de muestras de sangre, con los procedimientos de extracción de ADN y obtención de marcadores AFLP´s, aspectos sobre los cuales no existen antecedentes para la especie Cavia porcellus. Se utilizaron muestras de ADN procedentes de tres poblaciones, dos criollas y una mejorada genéticamente obtenida a partir de un pie de cría procedente del Perú y sometida a selección en Colombia durante varias generaciones. Todos los animales procedieron de la Granja “Botana”, propiedad de la Universidad de Nariño, Pasto-Colombia. Para la detección de polimorfismos en la longitud de los fragmentos (AFLP`s) se utilizaron uno, tres y cinco discos FTA® de 1.2 mm, cada disco con aproximadamente 25 ng de ADN. Los ensayos indicaron que los mejores productos de amplificación, para la visualización de AFLP´s, se obtuvieron de muestras con tres discos de FTA por individuo, lo que sugiere que con esta metodología,75 ng de ADN por animal son suficientes para detectar polimorfismos de alta calidad en el genoma de Cavia porcellus. Se recomienda el uso de las tarjetas de FTA para el estudio genético de poblaciones de Cavia porcellus, con las modificaciones metodológicas descritas en este artículo para marcadores AFLP´s.

A methodology that includes the use of FTA® (Whatman Bioscience, Cambridge) to collect and store animals` blood samples and the procedures to extract and to get AFLP markers is presented in this paper. A review of the literature indicates that there are no reports concerning both aspects for the Cavia porcellus case. To reach our goal blood samples of three populations – Two native ones and other genetically improved- were obtained through heart puncture. This blood was stored in the FTA cards in order to extract, purify, amplify and analyze their DNA forms. All of the animals came from “Botana” farm of the Universidad de Nariño, located in Pasto, Colombia. For amplifying the AFLP one, three and five 1.2 mm FTA disks of approximately 75 ng of DNA per disk where used. The tests indicated that the best products to amplify and to visualize the AFLP where those ones obtained from samples of three FTA disks per animal. This suggests that 75 ng of DNA per animal is enough to generate AFLP of high quality in the Cavia porcellus` genome. We recommend the use of FTA cards to carry out genetic analyses in the Cavia porcellus, including the methodology modifications presented in this paper.

Utilización de las tarjetas FTA® para el diagnóstico molecular del virus de la enfermedad de NEWCASTLE en muestras de fluido alantoideo / Utilization of FTA® Cards for the Molecular Diagnostic of Newcastle Disease Virus in Allantoic Fluid Samples

Se evaluó la factibilidad de utilizar las tarjetas FTA® (Flinders Technology Associates) para la inactivación y transporte de fluido alantoideo infectado con el virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle (VEN). La tarjetas FTA® fueron impregnadas con diluciones seriadas de fluido alantoideo con un título inicial de 10(8,8) DL/50 del VEN cepa LaSota y analizadas mediante la prueba de reacción en cadena por la polimerasa transcriptasa reversa (por sus siglas en ingles RT-PCR) a las 24 horas, 7 y 14 días. La concentración más baja del virus detectada en el fluido alantoideo fue 10(5,8) DL/50. La detección del virus a partir de la tarjeta fue posible hasta 14 días después de su inactivación. El re-aislamiento viral en huevos embrionados a partir de las tarjetas resultó negativo. La inactivación del virus en las tarjetas no afectó la calidad de la secuencia de nucleótidos, permitiendo la determinación de su virulencia mediante la secuenciación de los nucleótidos que codifican la zona de corte de la proteína de fusión resultando ser lentogénico en concordancia con la cepa inicial de virus aplicada a las tarjetas. Se concluye que las tarjetas FTA® representan una alternativa válida para el muestreo, inactivación y diagnóstico molecular del VEN, con un alto grado de bioseguridad.

The feasibility of using FTA® cards (Flinders Technology Associates) for inactivation and transportation of allantoic fluid infected with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was evaluated. Serial dilutions of allantoic fluid with a titer of 10(8.8) ELD/50 of LaSota strain NDV were loaded on the FTA® cards and analyzed after 24 hour, 7 and 14 days using reverse transcriptase-polimerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The lowest virus concentration that could be detected from the FTA® cards was 10(5.8) ELD/50. The detection of the inactivated virus was possible after 14 days of virus inactivation. No virus re-isolation in embryonating eggs was possible from the cards. No negative effects of the FTA® card inactivation on the nucleotide sequences were observed, allowing the determination of its virulence by direct nucleotide sequencing of the F protein cleavage site, resulting in a lentogénic strain in concordance with the initial virus applied on the cards. It can be conclude that FTA® cards are a valid alternative for NDV sampling, inactivation and molecular diagnostic with a high degree of biosecurity.