Sensitive, semi-nested RT-PCR amplification of fusion gene sequences for the rapid detection and differentiation of Newcastle disease virus

A rapid, sensitive and specific semi-nested RT-PCR was developed to detect and differentiate virulent and avirulent strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). For a total of 67 NDV strains, the results obtained from the semi-nested RT-PCR were consistent with those from nucleotide sequence analysis, plaque forming assays, mean death time (MDT) measurements and intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI). Furthermore, 13 class I NDV strains can be characterized by the semi-nested RT-PCR approach, which was feasible by the conventional methods. The detection limit for the semi-nested RT-PCR was two plaque forming units (PFU) both for NDV strain F48E9 in allantoic fluid and for isolate APMV1/ch/ChinaND4031 in oral or cloacal swabs. In conclusion, this semi-nested RT-PCR method offers a new assay for the rapid detection and differentiation of NDVs.