Analysis of Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) by Real-Time PCR Method (CAT#: STEM-MB-3722-LGZ)

Introduction

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is a highly contagious viral pathogen of common carp and koi carp varieties. Mortality rates can be 80-100% in some cases. Lowering the water temperature to <15°C can reduce mortalities, but fish that recover can become persistently infected and are a major source of concern for the spread of the virus.<br />A real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR, or qPCR) is a laboratory technique of molecular biology based on the polymerase chain reaction(PCR). It monitors the amplification of a targeted DNA molecule during the PCR(i.e.,in real time), not at its end, as in conventional PCR.<br />Two common methods for the detection of PCR products in real-time PCR are(1)non-specific fluorescent dyes that intercalate with any double-stranded DNA and (2)sequence-specific DNA probes consisting of oligonucleotides that are labelled with a fluorescent reporter, which permits detection only after hybridization of the probe with its complementary sequence.