Which test provides definitive confirmation of senecavirus A infection?

• A. RT-PCR
• B. Clinical signs
• C. ELISA
• D. Serum neutralization test

Answer: (A)

Direct detection of the virus in a sample provides definitive confirmation, because it shows the pathogen is actually present rather than just an immune response. RT-PCR detects specific senecavirus A RNA in clinical specimens (such as vesicular fluid, swabs, or tissues) with high sensitivity and specificity, making it the most reliable way to confirm active infection and identify the virus quickly.

Clinical signs alone aren’t conclusive because many pig diseases cause similar vesicular or lameness symptoms, so you can’t distinguish senecavirus A infection from other conditions just by appearance. ELISA detects antibodies, which tells you the animal has been exposed or mounted an immune response, but it doesn’t prove active infection or that the virus is currently present in the animal. Serum neutralization tests assess functional antibodies, indicating immune exposure, but they don’t directly demonstrate the virus in the animal at the time of testing and can be slower or less practical for rapid confirmation.

So, because it directly demonstrates the virus’s genetic material in the sample, RT-PCR is the best answer for definitive confirmation of senecavirus A infection.