Detection of noroviruses in fecal specimens by direct RT-PCR without RNA purification.

Noroviruses are important human pathogens which cause epidemic acute viral gastroenteritis. Current techniques used for detection of noroviruses in fecal specimens involve multi-step viral RNA extraction and purification followed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This study demonstrates a method for easy detection of norovirus in fecal specimens, involving one-step RNA release and direct use of the released RNA for RT-PCR (direct RT-PCR). For one-step RNA release, a simple method was adopted based on addition of the sample treatment reagent from a commercialized Norovirus GI and GII RNA Detection Kit to suspended fecal specimens, followed by a brief heat treatment. The released RNA was then added directly to the RT mixture from the same kit. After reverse transcription and PCR, the product was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Direct RT-PCR was evaluated with 275 fecal specimens comprising 230 norovirus-positive and 45 norovirus-negative samples as assessed by real-time RT-PCR, considered to be the "gold standard" for norovirus detection. Direct RT-PCR was sufficiently specific and sensitive for norovirus detection, and eliminated the RNA extraction and purification step. Use of this method should facilitate detection of norovirus in fecal specimens and provide valuable information regarding the incidence of the virus. In addition, this method should be applicable for other RNA viruses.

Various applications of direct PCR using blood samples.

Samples of blood or other animal fluids contain a variety of substances that inhibit the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), meaning that isolation of DNA, involving multiple labor-intensive steps, is generally necessary prior to PCR. We have developed a novel reagent cocktail that effectively suppresses these inhibitory substances. Using this reagent cocktail, DNA from various targets can be efficiently amplified directly from various forms of blood samples without DNA isolation. 1. DNA sequences within the beta-globin gene could be amplified directly from human blood samples treated with various anticoagulants. Either fresh blood or blood samples stored frozen for up to 4 years could be used for PCR. 2. DNA sequences of up to 2056 bp within the beta-globin gene could be amplified directly from human blood samples. 3. Human chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA from different individuals could be amplified directly from blood samples. 4. Low titers of hepatitis B virus could be amplified directly from human blood samples. 5. DNA could be amplified directly from various target sequences using dried blood in a PCR tube or on a filter paper. 6. Transgenes could be detected directly in blood samples from transgenic mice.