Final answer:
RT-PCR is used to detect COVID-19 in hamsters by converting viral RNA into cDNA and then amplifying it through PCR. This method is highly sensitive and can detect low levels of SARS-CoV-2 in animal specimens.
Step-by-step explanation:
PCR Testing in Hamsters for COVID-19 Detection
To detect COVID-19 in hamsters, a specific molecular technique known as Reverse transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is employed. This method involves converting the viral RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcriptase. Then, this cDNA is amplified using PCR to detect the presence of the virus. The procedure starts with the collection of a sample, frequently from the respiratory tract where the virus is most likely to be found. The PCR setup includes carefully prepared reagents, such as primers specific to the virus, deoxynucleotides, Taq polymerase from Thermus aquaticus, and the target cDNA. This mixture is then placed into a PCR machine to undergo thermal cycling, allowing specific amplification of the viral genetic material if it is present in the sample.
The RT-PCR technique offers a highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic tool for confirming the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, in various specimens, including those from animals. Given its high specificity, PCR can detect even low levels of the virus, aiding in the accurate diagnosis of infections in hamsters and other animals.