Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2013 | Research
A cost effective real-time PCR for the detection of adenovirus from viral swabs
Authors:
Turkiya Al-Siyabi, Khalifa Binkhamis, Melanie Wilcox, Sallene Wong, Kanti Pabbaraju, Raymond Tellier, Todd F Hatchette, Jason J LeBlanc
Published in:
Virology Journal
|
Issue 1/2013
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Abstract
Compared to traditional testing strategies, nucleic acid amplification tests such as real-time PCR offer many advantages for the detection of human adenoviruses. However, commercial assays are expensive and cost prohibitive for many clinical laboratories. To overcome fiscal challenges, a cost effective strategy was developed using a combination of homogenization and heat treatment with an “in-house” real-time PCR. In 196 swabs submitted for adenovirus detection, this crude extraction method showed performance characteristics equivalent to viral DNA obtained from a commercial nucleic acid extraction. In addition, the in-house real-time PCR outperformed traditional testing strategies using virus culture, with sensitivities of 100% and 69.2%, respectively. Overall, the combination of homogenization and heat treatment with a sensitive in-house real-time PCR provides accurate results at a cost comparable to viral culture.