Efficiency of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (M-PCR) for Detection and Molecular Analysis of Human Viruses

ABSTRACTThe widespread use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has improved the laboratory diagnosis and understanding of viral etiology of different clinical syndromes. Modifications to the basic PCR technique have been used to increase the specificity of viral detection, and/or to allow the identification of more than one virus in a single tube. In this article we discuss the theoretical and practical basis of the development and optimization of multiplex PCR (M-PCR) systems and review the application and potential of this technique for detection and analysis of human viruses of clinical importance.