Rapid detection of human respiratory syncytial virus A and B by duplex real-time RT-PCR

J Virol Methods. 2021 Aug:294:114171. doi: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114171. Epub 2021 May 10.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of acute respiratory disease worldwide, especially in young children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated an RSV Surveillance Pilot program that aims to perform worldwide RSV surveillance, requiring the development of reliable and rapid molecular methods to detect and identify RSV. A duplex real-time RT-PCR assay developed for simultaneous detection of both A and B subtypes of RSV was included as part of this program. This duplex assay targeted a conserved region of the RSV polymerase gene and was validated for analytical sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and clinical performance with a wide range of respiratory specimens. The assay was highly specific for RSV and did not react with non-RSV respiratory pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Keywords: Detection; Differentiation; RSV; Real-time RT-PCR assay; Respiratory syncytial virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Nasopharynx / virology
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / genetics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Ribonuclease P / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • RNA, Viral
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase
  • RPP40 protein, human
  • Ribonuclease P