[Rapid and efficient detection method of Norwalk virus]

Abstract

A rapid and efficient RT-PCR with fluorogenic probe(TaqMan-PCR) was developed for detection of Norwalk virus(NV) genomes in clinical specimens. We designed NV genogroup specific primers and fluorogenic probes in the junction of open reading frame (ORF)1 and ORF2. Eighty specimens from patients of gastroenteritis, in which NV-like particles were detected by electron microscopy, were examined by TaqMan-PCR and RT-PCR using primer sets previously reported; two sets in RdRp region of NV and one set in capsid region. TaqMan-PCR detected NV genome from 79 of 80 specimens(98.8%); this method showed the highest sensitivity of all other RT-PCR tested. Moreover, TaqMan-PCR was considered to be useful to recognize genogroup of NV correctly.