A sensitive real-time PCR for detection and subgrouping of human respiratory syncytial virus

► A novel real-time RT-PCR using specific locked nucleic acid probes is described. ► The assay is quantitative and distinguishes RSV subgroup A & B. ► Compared with a commercial multiplex PCR using 264 respiratory samplesin Vietnam. ► Sensitivity was significantly higher with detection a rate of 32 vs. 24%.