Detection of AHV-1 DNA in lung sections from blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) calves by in situ hybridization.

In situ hybridization was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung sections from eight blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) calves to investigate the role of this organ in the excretion of alcelaphine herpes virus-1 (AHV-1). A digoxigenin labelled Smal fragment of AHV-1 was used as a DNA probe. Viral DNA was detected in the lungs of seven calves in which infection with AHV-1 had previously been confirmed, indicating the significance of the lower respiratory tract in viral replication and excretion. The results also confirmed the sensitivity of the in situ hybridization technique in detecting low amounts of viral DNA in infected cells in routinely processed tissues.