Hawrami K, Breuer J
Department of Medical Microbiology, St Bartholomew's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK.
J Virol Methods. 1999 Apr;79(1):33-40. doi: 10.1016/s0166-0934(98)00176-1.
A TaqMan based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for the detection and quantitation of varicella zoster virus (VZV). This method enables simple, reproducible, sensitive and specific detection and quantification of VZV. The TaqMan assay was able to detect four copies of VZV and did not cross-react with other herpesviruses DNA. The assay has several advantages over conventional PCR. First, in the TaqMan assay there is no need for gel electrophoresis and contact with hazardous chemicals. Second, the method is rapid allowing the analysis of 92 samples within minutes after completion of PCR. Finally, the incorporation of a specific probe into the PCR reaction enhances the sensitivity and specificity of the method compared with conventional PCR. The TaqMan system could, therefore, be a useful tool for the epidemiological and diagnostic investigation of VZV.
开发了一种基于TaqMan的聚合酶链反应（PCR）检测方法，用于检测和定量水痘带状疱疹病毒（VZV）。该方法能够对VZV进行简单、可重复、灵敏且特异的检测和定量。TaqMan检测法能够检测到四个拷贝的VZV，且不会与其他疱疹病毒DNA发生交叉反应。该检测方法相较于传统PCR具有多个优势。首先，在TaqMan检测法中，无需进行凝胶电泳，也无需接触危险化学品。其次，该方法速度快，在PCR完成后的几分钟内即可分析92个样本。最后，与传统PCR相比，在PCR反应中加入特异性探针提高了该方法的灵敏度和特异性。因此，TaqMan系统可能是用于VZV流行病学和诊断研究的有用工具。
