In the present study, we have applied a novel approach to generate specific digoxigeninand
biotin-labeled RNA probes to detect Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) gag gene in the FIVinfected
feline T-lymphoblastoid cell line (MYA-1). This involved cloning of the FIV gag gene into a
PCR Script vector containing both T3 and T7 promoters, followed by amplification of the insert and
the two promoter sequences, using specific primer sequences. The FIV RNA probes were more
sensitive than FIV DNA probes. This approach should make RNA in situ hybridization more accessible for use in routine diagnosis. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2006 Jan:37(1):106-12. G Ryan, C O’Flatharta, J Callanan and MJEMF Mabruk. Prof Mohamed Mabruk, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Eureka Komplex, 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia. Tel: + 00-604-6532724 Fax: + 00-604-6532734 E-mail: mmabruk03@yahoo.co.uk | 
