African swine fever (ASF) diagnosis, an essential tool in the epidemiological investigation

• Published in: Virus research 2019-10, Vol.271, p.197676-197676, Article 197676
• Main Authors: Gallardo, C., Fernández-Pinero, J., Arias, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: African swine fever; Diagnosis; Results interpretation
• ISSN: 0168-1702; 1872-7492
• DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197676

•Success of surveillance activities depends on the availability of the most appropriated diagnostic tests.•Final diagnosis should be based in the interpretation of the results of antibody and virological validated tests.•Serology provides a reliable method for disease surveillance in affected areas. Since there is no vaccine available, prevention, control, and eradication of African swine fever (ASF) is based on the implementation of appropriated surveillance and strict sanitary measures. Success of surveillance activities depends on the availability of the most appropriate diagnostic tests. Although a number of good validated ASF diagnostic techniques are available, the interpretation of the ASF diagnostic results can be complex. The reasons lie in the complexity of the epidemiology with different scenarios, as well as in the characteristics of the viruses circulating giving rise to a wide range of clinical forms of ASF. This review provides guidance for an accurate interpretation of ASF diagnostic results linked to the different clinical presentations ranging from per-acute to chronic disease, including apparently asymptomatic infections.