Double in situ hybridization for simultaneous detection and differentiation of porcine circovirus 1 and 2 in pigs with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome

Double in situ hybridization using a digoxigenin-labelled porcine circovirus 1 (PCV1) and biotinylated PCV2 probe, was developed for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of PCV1 and PCV2 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from pigs with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome. The combination of an alkaline phosphatase conjugated antidigoxigenin system with alkaline phosphatase conjugated streptavidin-biotin system allowed identification of PCV1 and/or PCV2. No evidence of cross-reaction was observed. Positive cells exhibited a red or dark brown reaction product for PCV1 and PCV2, respectively. Both PCV DNAs were observed mainly in the cytoplasm but occasionally in the nucleus. Co-localization of hybridization signal for both PCV1 and PCV2 was present in macrophages and multinucleated giant cells of the lymph node and spleen. This double-labelling technique for the differentiation between PCV1 and PCV2 is suitable for pathogenesis studies and diagnostic applications.