A Novel High-Throughput Method for Molecular Detection of Human Pathogenic Viruses Using a Nanofluidic Real-Time PCR System

PLoS One. 2016 Jan 29;11(1):e0147832. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147832. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Human enteric viruses are recognized as the main causes of food- and waterborne diseases worldwide. Sensitive and quantitative detection of human enteric viruses is typically achieved through quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). A nanofluidic real-time PCR system was used to develop novel high-throughput methods for qualitative molecular detection (RT-qPCR array) and quantification of human pathogenic viruses by digital RT-PCR (RT-dPCR). The performance of high-throughput PCR methods was investigated for detecting 19 human pathogenic viruses and two main process controls used in food virology. The conventional real-time PCR system was compared to the RT-dPCR and RT-qPCR array. Based on the number of genome copies calculated by spectrophotometry, sensitivity was found to be slightly better with RT-qPCR than with RT-dPCR for 14 viruses by a factor range of from 0.3 to 1.6 log10. Conversely, sensitivity was better with RT-dPCR than with RT-qPCR for seven viruses by a factor range of from 0.10 to 1.40 log10. Interestingly, the number of genome copies determined by RT-dPCR was always from 1 to 2 log10 lower than the expected copy number calculated by RT-qPCR standard curve. The sensitivity of the RT-qPCR and RT-qPCR array assays was found to be similar for two viruses, and better with RT-qPCR than with RT-qPCR array for eighteen viruses by a factor range of from 0.7 to 3.0 log10. Conversely, sensitivity was only 0.30 log10 better with the RT-qPCR array than with conventional RT-qPCR assays for norovirus GIV detection. Finally, the RT-qPCR array and RT-dPCR assays were successfully used together to screen clinical samples and quantify pathogenic viruses. Additionally, this method made it possible to identify co-infection in clinical samples. In conclusion, given the rapidity and potential for large numbers of viral targets, this nanofluidic RT-qPCR assay should have a major impact on human pathogenic virus surveillance and outbreak investigations and is likely to be of benefit to public health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Bocavirus / genetics
  • DNA Primers / chemical synthesis*
  • Enterovirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis A virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis E virus / genetics
  • Humans
  • Kobuvirus / genetics
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Mamastrovirus / genetics
  • Mengovirus / genetics
  • Nanostructures
  • Norovirus / genetics
  • Parvovirus / genetics
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / instrumentation
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Rotavirus / genetics
  • Sapovirus / genetics
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Virus Diseases / virology

Substances

  • DNA Primers

Grants and funding

Coralie Coudray-Meunier was a PhD student who received financial support from ANSES (Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail).