Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification for visual detection of the HCLV vaccine against classical swine fever in China

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and evaluated for the rapid and specific detection of HCLV vaccine strain against classical swine fever. Four primers were designed for amplification of NS5B gene region with Bst DNA polymerase at a constant temperature of 65 °C. The products showed ladder-like pattern on 2% agarose gel, and can be visualised after addition of SYBR Green I dye. The detection limit of the assay was 5 copies of the HCLV genome per reaction. No cross-reaction with other porcine viruses including different wild-type CSFV strains and the bovine viral diarrhoea virus was observed. The agreement between the LAMP and TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assays was 94.4% for the detection of 72 batches of HCLV vaccine. The assay provides a rapid tool for the control of vaccine quality and can be an accompanying assay of the LAMP for wild-type CSFV described previously for differential diagnosis.     

Construction of an infectious chimeric classical swine fever virus containing the 5'UTR of bovine viral diarrhea virus, and its application as a universal internal positive control in real-time RT-PCR

RT-PCR is used widely as a diagnostic method to detect and differentiate pestiviruses. The construction of two chimeric classical swine fever virus (CSFV) recombinants based on a marker virus constructed previously [J. Virol. 72 (1998) 5318-5322] is described. These viruses, termed vA187CAT_5UTRBVD and vA187CAT_IRESBVD, contain the entire 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) or the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), respectively. Both chimeric viruses proved to be infectious in cell culture. Hence, the 5'UTR as well as the IRES element only of BVDV can substitute for the corresponding genome region of CSFV. Next, two sets of primers and corresponding dual-labeled TaqMan probes were designed; one detecting specifically a conserved but CSFV-specific area within the 5'UTR of wild-type CSFV, the other one targeting the CAT gene inserted in vA187CAT_5UTRBVD. The two primer/probe sets were combined in a closed-tube multiplex one-step RT-PCR. To monitor the entire extraction and detection process limited amounts of vA187CAT_5UTRBVD were added directly to clinical samples before RNA extraction. The multiplex RT-PCR proved to be as sensitive as the single primer/probe set method, but allowed the validation of each sample tested individually, based on the detection of the CAT marker gene. vA187CAT_5UTRBVD was also used successfully for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) TaqMan RT-PCR. Therefore, it is considered a universal internal positive control for RT-PCR assays to exclude loss of RNA during extraction, or failure of amplification due to inhibitory substances present in the sample.     

CLIP-PCR直接检测血液中疟原虫雌性配子体特异转录产物s25 mRNA

目的建立一种疟原虫雌性配子体的分子检测法。方法根据疟原虫雌性配子体特异性mRNA靶标(待测靶序列)即动合子表面蛋白(s25)的转录产物,设计特异性的捕获探针和连接探针。血液样品经裂解释放的mRNAs,无需核酸提取,通过"三明治"杂交被捕获到96孔板表面。洗去未结合探针后,将结合在mRNA靶标上的连接探针进行连接,得到两端为特殊设计序列的单链扩增模板。再用通用引物进行染料法qPCR扩增,或在端部设计TaqMan探针序列,用通用引物和通用TaqMan探针进行探针法qPCR扩增。评价这一基于捕获和连接扩增的方法(CLIP-PCR)的灵敏度、特异性和重复性并与普通的RT-qPCR方法进行比较,将其应用于临床样品的检测。结果该CLIP-PCR具有较高的灵敏度和特异性。与普通的RT-qPCR一样,均可检测低至11拷贝数的s25 mRNA靶标;而且该CLIP-PCR操作更简便。该CLIP-PCR可准确检测到疟疾患者血液中的雌性配子体。可将96个样品的检测时间缩短至3 h。结论建立了灵敏高效的染料法和通用TaqMan探针法CLIP-PCR检测疟原虫雌性配子体,为疟疾传播的控制、配子体大规模筛查奠定了基...     

Development and evaluation of SYBR Green I-based one-step real-time RT-PCR assay for detection and quantitation of Japanese encephalitis virus

One-step SYBR Green I-based real-time RT-PCR assay for rapid detection as well as quantitation of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in acute-phase patient CSF samples by targeting the NS3 gene was developed. The assay developed in this study was found to be more sensitive as compared to conventional RT-PCR. The specificity of the reported assay system was established through melting curve analysis as well as by cross-reactivity studies with related members of Flavivirus. The applicability of Real-time PCR assay for clinical diagnosis was validated with 32 suspected acute-phase CSF samples of Gorakhpur epidemic, India, 2005. The improved sensitivity of real-time RT-PCR was reflected by picking up 10 additional samples with low copy number of template in comparison to conventional RT-PCR. The quantitation of the viral load in acute-phase CSF samples was done using a standard curve obtained by plotting cycle threshold (C(t)) values versus copy numbers of the RNA template. This is the first report on the application of real-time RT-PCR for detection as well as quantitation of JEV from patient CSF samples. These findings demonstrate the potential clinical application of the reported assay as a sensitive diagnostic test for rapid and real-time detection and quantitation of JEV in acute-phase clinical samples.     

Development of a Plexor real-time PCR assay for the detection of porcine circovirus type 2

A novel, real-time PCR system for the detection of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was developed. The system employed Plexor technology and detected 10⁸-10¹ copies per reaction of PCV2 DNA within a recombinant plasmid. The examination of clinical material showed consistent diagnostic sensitivity when samples contained more than 10³ viral copies per reaction. Specificity of Plexor real-time PCR was confirmed using the porcine viruses PCV1, PRRSV, CSFV, TTSuV1 and TTSuV2 employing the melting curve analysis of PCR products. The low values of coefficient of variation in the intra- (1.74%) and inter-assay (2.41%) analysis suggested that the assay was a highly reproducible. The Plexor real-time PCR was compared with three other real-time PCR systems (SYBR Green, TaqMan, LUX) with conclusion that it can be used as a method of choice for the detection and quantitation of PCV2.     

Development of TaqMan real-time RT-PCR for detection of avian reoviruses

Avian reoviruses (ARVs) are an important cause of economic losses in commercial poultry. A TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assay for detecting of ARVs was developed. The primer-probe set was from the conserved region of ARV S4 genome segment. Real-time RT-PCR detected ARV strains including CO8 and ss412 strains, which belonged to different serological subgroups, and the test had no cross-reaction with other avian viruses. The detection limit of this assay was 5 ARV genome copies per 5 μl and was 150 times more sensitive than traditional RT-PCR. Statistical analyses indicated excellent reproducibility. For ARV strain 2408, a titer of 50% embryo infection dose and 50% tissue culture infectious dose equivalent to 3.9 ± 0.8, and 2.9 ± 0.3 ARV genome copies, respectively. This test was rapid, specific, and sensitive for the detection of ARVs and will be useful in veterinary diagnostic laboratories and for the quantitation of vaccine viruses for pharmaceutical companies.     

Simultaneous detection of Classical swine fever virus and North American genotype Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus using a duplex real-time RT-PCR

Classical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome are both notifiable diseases of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The two diseases exhibit indistinguishable clinical symptoms and sometimes co-exist in swine herds. In this study, a duplex real-time RT-PCR for simultaneous detection of Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and North American (NA) genotype Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) based on two differently labeled TaqMan probes was developed and evaluated. The detection limit of the assay was 3.2 TCID(50) or 13 RNA copies for CSFV and 1.8 TCID(50) or 10 RNA copies for PRRSV, about 50 times more sensitive than conventional RT-PCRs. The duplex real-time RT-PCR was capable of specifically detecting different subgroups of wild-type CSFV and different strains of NA-genotype PRRSV, whereas a number of non-CSFV/PRRSV porcine viruses and bovine pestivirus were tested negative. Out of 155 field samples, 16 were tested positive for CSFV, 73 were positive for PRRSV, and 13 were co-infected with the two viruses. These results were 99.4% in agreement with those using conventional RT-PCRs. Therefore, the assay provides sensitive and simultaneous detection and differentiation of CSFV and PRRSV.     

Real-time RT-PCR (TaqMan) assays for the detection of viruses associated with Rugose wood complex of grapevine

Real-time TaqMan RT-PCR (TaqMan RT-PCR) assays were developed to detect the viruses associated with Rugose wood complex of grapevines. The viruses detected were Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus in the genus Foveavirus, Grapevine virus A, Grapevine virus B and Grapevine virus D in the genus Vitivirus. The coat protein was found to be the most conserved gene within the viral species, therefore, the primers and probes for TaqMan RT-PCR assays were designed from the multiple alignment of the coat protein sequence of various isolates of each virus. Comparisons were also made between the conventional one step RT-PCR and TaqMan RT-PCR for the detection of these viruses using four-fold serial dilutions of both purified RNA and crude extract prepared from grapevine tissue. Results showed that TaqMan RT-PCR was more sensitive and could detect viruses at 32- and 256-fold higher dilutions for purified RNA and crude extract, respectively, compared to RT-PCR. The use of an internal control (18S rRNA) allowed comparison of sample preparation protocols and amplification efficiencies between samples.     

Real-time PCR methods for independent quantitation of TTV and TLMV

There is considerable interest in the possible clinical effects of the human circoviruses TT virus (TTV) and TTV-like mini virus (TLMV). Most people appear to have at least one of these viruses replicating actively in their bodies, thus mere correlation of the presence of virus and disease states are probably less informative than a quantitative analysis of viraemia. Real-time PCR based methods, with either SYBR Green or TaqMan probe, designed to quantitate selectively TTV and TLMV are described. The suggested TaqMan-based protocols were suitable for quantitation of viruses in the range of 10(2)-10(9) copies/ml of sample; and proved, by sequencing of PCR products, to be specific for each of the two viruses.     

Specific detection of small ruminant lentiviral nucleic acid sequences located in the proviral long terminal repeat and leader-gag regions using real-time polymerase chain reaction

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detection of proviral nucleic acid sequences of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) in blood samples was developed and evaluated. Priming oligonucleotides were designed on the highly conserved 5' untranslated leader-gag region while those on the long terminal repeat (LTR) assay were derived from literature. DNA was extracted from the buffycoat interlayer of centrifuged blood samples. Real-time PCR was performed by means of LightCycler technology (Roche Applied Science) using melting temperature analysis (SYBR Green I) for detection. Results were compared with those of serology using samples from Dutch sheep and goat flocks with known SRLV statuses, with sequential samples from a natural transmission experiment and samples from different regions in Norway, France, Spain and Italy. Real-time PCR testing, especially the application of oligonucleotides for priming the leader-gag region appeared promising in detecting SRLV specific proviral DNA in blood samples from both sheep and goats.     

SYBR Green Ⅰ联合TaqMan荧光定量PCR检测HBV-DNA的意义

目的探索SYBR GreenⅠ联合TaqMan荧光定量PCR检测HBV-DNA的意义。方法选择浓度为10^8.48、10^5.70和10^3.70copies/ml的3种HBV-DNA阳性血清和〈1×10^3.0copies/ml的阴性血清各1份,在TaqMan-PCR混合反应体系中加入SYBR Green Ⅰ组成双荧光PCR（TaqMan＋SYBR Green Ⅰ组）,同时进行TaqMan和SYBR Green Ⅰ的单荧光PCR（分别为TaqMan组和SYBR Green Ⅰ组）,设置同一PCR和熔解曲线的循环参数,检测HBV-DNA含量及其Tm,每种方法一次检测每份血清5次。结果TaqMan＋SYBR Green Ⅰ组检测的HBV-DNA阳性血清均为阳性,其平均含量为10^8.55±0.32、10^5.79±0.29、10^3.81±0.30,与TaqMan组的10^8.49±0.31、10^5.69±0.34、10^3.72±0.26copies/ml0.320.290.300.310.300.25对应浓度值取10对数比较,无统计学意义（t=0.31、0.54和0.27,P〉0.05）;与SYBR Green I组的10^8.41±0.35,10^5.21±0.34和10^3.26±0.26copies/ml（不含未检出的两次血清）比较,除高浓度外,中低浓度有统计学意义（t=2.90和0.340.262.62,P〈0.05）。TaqMan＋SYBR Green I组和SYBR Green Ⅰ组阳性血清均出现明显熔解曲线,熔解温度（Tm）分别为71.8℃、72℃和79.8℃,阴性血清未出现扩增曲线和Tm值。结论SYBR Green Ⅰ联合TaqMan-PCR检测HBV-DNA时,具有能维持TaqMan-PCR的高灵敏度、特异性更强,并能同时检测HBV-DNATm的特点,为HBV的DNA多态性分析,尤其是在HBV基因分型方面提供了新的检测思路。     

A SYBR Green-based real-time RT-PCR assay for simple and rapid detection and differentiation of highly pathogenic and classical type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus circulating in China

SYBR Green coupled to melting curve analysis has been suggested to detect RNA viruses showing high genomic variability. Here, a SYBR Green-based real-time RT-PCR assay was developed for simultaneous detection and differentiation of highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) and classical type 2 PRRSV (C-PRRSV). The different strains were identified by their distinctive melting temperatures: 82.98 ± 0.25 °C and 85.95 ± 0.24 °C for HP-PRRSVs or 82.74 ± 0.26 °C for C-PRRSVs. Specificity was tested using nine other viral and bacterial pathogens of swine. The detection limit was 1 TCID₅₀ for HP- or C-PRRSV. Furthermore, the detection results for samples from an animal trial with HP- or C-PRRSV infections showed that the SYBR Green-based real-time RT-PCR was more sensitive than the conventional RT-PCR. Additionally, an analysis of 319 field samples from North China, Central China and Northeast China showed that HP- and C-PRRSVs co-circulated in pig herds. Thus, the SYBR Green-based real-time RT-PCR, which can be performed within one hour, is a rapid, sensitive and low-cost diagnostic tool for rapid differential detection and routine surveillance of HP- and classical type 2 PRRSVs in China.     

TaqMan hydrolysis probe based real time PCR for detection and quantitation of camelpox virus in skin scabs

The study describes the development of TaqMan hydrolysis probe based real time PCR (rt-PCR) assay targeting the ankyrin repeat protein (C18L) gene sequences for the detection and quantitation of camelpox virus (CMLV) nucleic acid and its comparison with established conventional and SYBR green rt-PCR assays. The assay was specific with an efficiency of 99.4%. The analytical sensitivity was 4 × 101 and 0.35 in terms of copy number and picogram of virus genomic DNA, respectively. The assay was linear with an acceptable intra (0.9-2.83% and 0.9-2.3%) and inter-assay (0.46-2.3% and 0.9-3.3) variations, when standard plasmid DNA and genomic DNA from purified CMLV respectively were tested. The assay was rapid, specific and sensitive as that of SYBR green and 1000 times more sensitive than the conventional PCR. It is suitable for the detection of CMLV nucleic acid directly from clinical samples. Further, the assay was evaluated using cell culture adapted CMLV isolates (n=11) and clinical samples (n=23) from camels and humans suspected of camelpox. This is an improved technique over conventional and SYBR green rt-PCR methods for the detection and quantitation of CMLV from skin scabs.