Development of real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay for detection of highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Objective Using real-time PCR technique to identify highly pathogenic PRRSV rapidly. Methods Primers for specific PCR amplification were designed based on the published sequence of the Nsp2 region of viral genome of highly pathogenic PRRSV. Its specificity,sensitivity and stability was examined. Results Using this method to detect highly pathogenic PRRSV and other virus of reproductive syndrome, only highly pathogenic PRRSV can be detected, and as little as 103 copy/mL of highly pathogenic PRRSV RNA can be amplified. Conclusion PCR amplification targeting at the Nsp2 region of viral genome of highly pathogenic PRRSV is a rapid, specific, sensitive and relatively simple method for the identification of highly pathogenic PRRSV.