Application of reverse transcription-PCR in the detection of respiratory syncytial virus infection

The aim of the paper was to explore the detective method of speciality for clinical diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus （RSV） infection. The RSV genes in the culture liquids and in the nasopharyngeal secretions from patients with acute respiratory infections were amplified by using reverse transcription-PCR （RT-PCR）. and the amplified products were identified by using digoxigenin labelled cDNA probe. The results showed that RSV mRNA was extracted and cDNA was compounded by reverse transcription. The cDNA bands around 471 bp was obtained by amplification. The controls, influenza virus B、 parainfluenza virus 2 and adenovirus 7, were not amplified. The culture liquids of RSV were diluted to 1∶1 000 which was also ampified by RT—PCR. RSV genes in nasal aspirates from 13 patients were amplified and identified by Southern Blot Hybridization. Conclusions: The method of RSV RT-PCR was successfully set up andits speciality and sensitivity were satisfactory. It will be important in the detection of RSV infection in clincal specimens and thus to benefit the diagnosis.