A TaqMan-based real-time PCR for detection and quantification of newly identified novel pigeon adenovirus

Recently, a novel pigeon adenovirus (N-PiAd) was found circulating in China, with the virus epidemiology and pathology remaining unclear. A TaqMan-based real-time PCR for detection and quantification of this newly identified N-PiAd infection targeting the hexon gene was developed with a limit of detection (LOD) of 31.2 DNA copies/μl, which was 10 times more sensitive than conventional PCR. There were no cross-reactions with common pigeon-origin viruses. Viral genome distribution in different tissues showed that the liver had the highest number of copies compared to other tissues (spleen, lung, kidney, heart and brain). The method established in this study exhibited high specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility, which can be used as a powerful tool for N-PiAd detection and quantification in epidemiological and pathogenesis studies.