Comparison of TaqMan real-time RT-PCR and conventional RT-PCR assays for detecting dengue virus

Objective To compare the sensitivity, specificity and time-spending of TaqMan real-time RT-PCR and conventional RT-PCR for detecting dengue virus. Methods The real-time RT-PCR and the conventional RT-PCR assays were used to quantitatively detect dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus and the sensitivity, specificity and time-spending were evaluated between the two methods above. Results Both Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile were not detected by those two methods, however, dengue virus could be detected by both two methods. The sensitivity of the conventional RT-PCR was 0.1 TCID50/mL, while TaqMan real-time quantitative RT-PCR was 0.001TCID50/mL, which was 100 times sensitive than conventional RT-PCR. Meanwhile, the real-time RT-PCR was more time-saving than conventional RT-PCR. Conclusion TaqMan quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay is more sensitive and time-saving than conventional RT-PCR for the rapid diagnosis of dengue virus.