Development of a duplex SYBR Green I-based quantitative real-time PCR assay for the rapid differentiation of goose and Muscovy duck parvoviruses

BACKGROUND: Waterfowl parvoviruses, including goose parvovirus (GPV) and Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV), can cause seriously diseases in geese and ducks. Developing a fast and precise diagnosis assay for these two parvoviruses is particularly important. RESULTS: A duplex SYBR Green I-based quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of GPV and MDPV. The assay yielded melting curves with specific single peak (Tm = 87.3 ± 0.26 °C or Tm = 85.4 ± 0.23 °C) when GPV or MDPV was evaluated, respectively. When both parvoviruses were assessed in one reaction, melting curves with specific double peaks were yielded. CONCLUSION: This duplex quantitative RT-PCR can be used to rapid identify of GPV and MDPV in field cases and artificial trials, which make it a powerful tool for diagnosing, preventing and controlling waterfowl parvovirus infections.