ABSTRACT
Objective@#To establish a TaqMan-MGB probe-based real-time fluorescence RT-PCR assay for avian influenza H5N6 virus used in rapid diagnosis for suspected cases and surveillance for outer environment of live poultry markets.@*Methods@#Based on the conservative sequences of avian influenza H5N6 virus for HA and NA gene published on GenBank, specific primers and TaqMan-MGB probes were designed to develop and optimize for the dual real-time RT-PCR assay. Specificity, sensitivity, repeatability and comparison tests were carried out.@*Results@#This dual real-time RT-PCR detection can be completed within 80 minutes. There was no cross-reaction with other subtypes of influenza virus and common respiratory pathogens. The minimum detection limit could be up to 10 copies/reaction. The correlation coefficient of standard curve for the gene of H5 and N6 were 0.999 and 0.993, and the coefficients of variation for cycle threshold were range from 0.151%-0.549%and 0.213%-0.575%, respectively. The positive and negative coincidence rates of the validation test were 100%.@*Conclusions@#This TaqMan-MGB probe-based dual real-time RT-PCR for avian influenza H5N6 virus was rapid, specific and sensitive. It will have a good use in early emergency detection of suspected cases and continuous monitoring of external environment in live poultry trade market.