Objective: To develop the Taqman MGB real-time fluorescent PCR assay for rapid detection of Dengue viruses.
Methods: Using Taqman MGB technique, a pair of universal primers and Taqman MGB probe were designed according to a highly reserved sequence of the 3'-noncoding region of dengue viruses type 1-4. Dengue virus strains were used as standard and Japanese encephalitis virus strains were used as control, the real-time PCR assay for specific and sensitive detection of the dengue viruses was established. While 8 serum specimens of ELISA positive were detected by the RT-PCR and fluorescent PCR.
Results: The sensitivity of real-time PCR was 0.17pg/microl (cDNA)or 10(-5)TCID50. There was no cross-reaction with Japanese encephalitis virus. Of 8 specimens, 2 were positive by RT-PCR and 5 were positive by real-time PCR. The test could be completed in 4 hours.
Conclusion: The Taqman MGB real-time PCR assay was fast, sensitive and specific. It could be applied to the quick early diagnosis of dengue viruses.