Optimization of in situ hybridization protocols for detection of feline herpesvirus 1

In situ hybridization (ISH) protocol including microwaving pre-treatment regimes was developed and compared with protease digestion as a pre-treatment regime for its effects on detecting feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue. We found that optimum results were obtained using microwave pre-treatment. The results showed that the use of microwave irradiation would be recommended as a means of supplementing ISH methods, especially when using long-term formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.