Comparison of standard polymerase chain reaction [PCR] with real-time PCR for meq gene of Mareks disease virus

The aim of this study was to compare a standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with real-time PCR for the detection of meq gene for the Marek's disease virus. Forty-one samples were examined in the experiment. In the standard PCR, the product characteristic for field strains (1 062 bp) was obtained in 19 samples (positive samples), in 22 samples no bands on the gel were observed (negative samples). The real-time PCR detected the viral DNA in 36 samples, so in additionally 13 more samples comparing to the standard reaction. The standard PCR revealed the viral DNA in samples at a total concentration of 10-100 ng/µL. The real-time PCR detected the viral DNA in samples at a total DNA concentration of 0.01-100 ng/µL. The compatibility of reactions was 68.2%. The sensitivity of the standard PCR with reference to the real-time PCR was found to be 86%, and the specificity of both methods 100%. Compared with conventional PCR, real-time PCR is definitely more sensitive, reproducible, quick, and has a wide dynamic range. Additionally, the application of a closed system highly reduces a risk of cross-over contamination.