Development of a rapid, real-time RT-RAA assay for sensitive detection of bovine enterovirus in fecal samples

Abstract

Bovine enterovirus (BEV) is a significant pathogen affecting bovine intestinal health, posing challenges to cattle production and public health. Existing detection methods, such as RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, and LAMP, are time-consuming and dependent on specialized laboratory facilities, highlighting the need for rapid and field-deployable diagnostic tools. In this study, we developed a real-time reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) assay designed for BEV detection, capable of delivering results within 20 min at 39℃. The real-time RT-RAA assay showed no cross-reactivity to other eight pathogens, including BCoV, BVDV, BKV, BRV, BAstV, STEC, FMDV, and PEV. The sensitivity assay revealed that the real-time RT-RAA method could reliably detect a minimum plasmid concentration of 5.50 × 10 ¹ copies/reaction. Clinical validation conducted with 780 field samples revealed performance comparable to those of conventional RT-PCR and RT-qPCR methods, achieving a positivity rate of 23.59 %. The RT-RAA method operates at low temperatures, requires minimal instrumentation, and reduces technical demands, making it ideal for resource-limited settings. Its portability, cost-effectiveness, and robustness position it as a transformative tool for BEV surveillance, enhancing outbreak control, livestock health management, and food safety.