Rapid detection of dengue viruses by multiplex PCR assay

ObjectiveTo establish a multiplex PCR assay for rapid detection and typing of 4 serotypes of dengue virus. MethodsRandom primer was used to reverse transcribe the 4 types of dengue viral RNA, then a multiplex PCR assay was proceeded to amplify the cDNA by adding 4 pairs of dengue virus type-specific primers into one reaction tube. Based on the length of the PCR amplicon, all 4 dengue virus serotypes can be identified. To evaluate the new established method, serum samples of dengue fever patients collected in 2004 were tested.ResultsThe lengths of the PCR amplicon of dengue virus type 1 to 4 were 391 bp, 319 bp, 216 bp and 152 bp respectively. The length of amplicon in all samples collected in 2004 was 391 bp, which indicated the serotype of dengue virus in that year was type 1. ConclusionThe established method is a specific and rapid detection and typing assay for dengue virus.