Quantitative real-time PCR assays for the concurrent diagnosis of infectious laryngotracheitis virus, Newcastle disease virus and avian metapneumovirus in poultry

Abstract

Newcastle disease (ND), infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) and avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) can be similar making it critical to quickly differentiate them. Herein, we adapted pre-existing molecular-based diagnostic assays for NDV and ILTV, and developed new assays for aMPV A and B, for use under synchronized thermocycling conditions. All assays performed equivalently with linearity over a 5 log₁₀ dynamic range, a reproducible (R² > 0.99) limit of detection of ≥ 10 target copies, and amplification efficiencies between 86.8%-98.2%. Using biological specimens for NDV and ILTV showed 100% specificity. Identical amplification conditions will simplify procedures for detection in diagnostic laboratories.

Keywords: Newcastle disease virus; avian infectious laryngotracheitis virus; avian metapneumovirus; quantitative real-time PCR.