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EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Part III. Virus Detection by RT-qPCR
Published on: January 16, 2016
Nucleic acid detection systems for enteroviruses
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
Abstract:
The enteroviruses comprise nearly 70 human pathogens responsible for a wide array of diseases including poliomyelitis, meningitis, myocarditis, and neonatal sepsis. Current diagnostic tests for the enteroviruses are limited in their use by the slow growth, or failure to grow, of certain serotypes in culture, the antigenic diversity among the serotypes, and the low titer of virus in certain clinical specimens. Within the past 6 years, applications of molecular cloning techniques, in vitro transcription vectors, automated nucleic acid synthesis, and the polymerase chain reaction have resulted in significant progress toward nucleic acid-based detection systems for the enteroviruses that take advantage of conserved genomic sequences across many, if not all, serotypes. Similar approaches to the study of enteroviral pathogenesis have already produced dramatic advances in our understanding of how these important viruses cause their diverse clinical spectra.
Insights
New molecular techniques offer faster detection of enteroviruses, a group of viruses causing diseases like polio and meningitis. These methods overcome limitations of traditional tests, improving diagnosis and understanding of enteroviral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enteroviruses encompass nearly 70 human pathogens causing diverse diseases such as poliomyelitis, meningitis, myocarditis, and neonatal sepsis.
- Current diagnostic methods face challenges due to slow or failed viral culture growth, antigenic diversity, and low viral titers in specimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight advancements in nucleic acid-based detection systems for enteroviruses.
- To underscore progress in understanding enteroviral pathogenesis through molecular approaches.
Main Methods:
- Application of molecular cloning techniques.
- Utilization of in vitro transcription vectors.
- Implementation of automated nucleic acid synthesis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- Significant progress in developing nucleic acid-based detection systems for enteroviruses.
- Leveraging conserved genomic sequences for broad-spectrum detection across enteroviral serotypes.
- Dramatic advances in understanding enteroviral pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Molecular techniques provide powerful tools for rapid and accurate enterovirus detection.
- These advancements improve diagnosis and deepen insights into the mechanisms of enteroviral diseases.
- Future research can build upon these molecular strategies for enhanced enterovirus surveillance and control.
