RT Journal Article SR Electronic(1) A1 Mentel, R. A1 Wegner, U. A1 Bruns, R. A1 Gürtler, L.YR 2003 T1 Real-time PCR to improve the diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection JF Journal of Medical Microbiology, VO 52 IS 10 SP 893 OP 896 DO https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.05290-0 PB Microbiology Society, SN 1473-5644, AB Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important virus respiratory pathogens in infants and young children. A rapid and sensitive diagnosis is essential to focus any outbreak due to this virus. A real-time RT-PCR method was designed using a primer/probe pair from the F gene. Simultaneously with nested RT-PCR and antigen ELISA, 71 consecutive specimens from hospitalized children with clinical symptoms of acute respiratory distress were evaluated to confirm the incidence of RSV infection. RSV was detected in 25 (35.2 %) specimens by real-time RT-PCR and in 19 (26.7 %) by nested RT-PCR. The assay was specific for RSV. The procedure offers a rapid and sensitive alternative to conventional RT-PCR. Closed-tube detection eliminates the risk of contamination., UL https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.05290-0