Which method is used for diagnosing African Swine Fever (ASF)?

Virus isolation in macrophages is a primary method used for diagnosing African Swine Fever (ASF) because it allows for the identification and confirmation of the presence of the virus in the infected tissue. ASF is caused by the African Swine Fever virus (ASFV), which can be isolated from blood or tissue samples. By using macrophages, which are a type of immune cell that the virus targets and infects, researchers can effectively determine whether ASFV is present and obtain a pure culture of the virus for further study. This approach is particularly important for understanding the virus's characteristics and for developing vaccines or treatments.

While blood serology testing can help identify antibodies against ASFV, it may not always provide a definitive diagnosis, especially in the early stages of the infection. Liver biopsy analysis is not the standard method for diagnosing ASF and is typically more invasive and less practical. Urinalysis is not relevant for diagnosing viral infections like ASF, as it does not provide information on the presence of the virus itself.