title: Molecular identification and quantification of human rhinoviruses in respiratory samples.
abstract: PCR-based molecular assays have become standard diagnostic procedures for the identification and quantification of human rhinoviruses (HRVs) and other respiratory pathogens in most, if not all, clinical microbiology laboratories. Molecular assays are significantly more sensitive than traditional culture-based and serological methods. This advantage has led to the recognition that HRV infections are common causes for not only upper airway symptoms but also more severe lower respiratory illnesses. In addition, molecular assays improve turnaround time, can be performed by technicians with ordinary skills, and can easily be automated. This chapter describes two highly sensitive and specific PCR-based methods for identifying and quantifying HRVs. The first is a two-step PCR method for the detection and typing of HRV. The second is a pan-HRV real-time quantitative (q) PCR method for measuring viral loads in respiratory samples.
authors.affiliation: Biological Mimetics Inc., 124 Byte Drive, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA, wlee5hkg@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Wai-Ming
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Grindle
authors.forename: Rose
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vrtis
authors.forename: Tressa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pappas
authors.forename: Fue
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vang
authors.forename: Iris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Gern
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D058889:Molecular Typing / Q000379:methods; D010802:Phylogeny; D010850:Picornaviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D012229:Rhinovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D019562:Viral Load / Q000235:genetics