The M and N genes-based simplex and multiplex PCRs are better than the F or H gene-based simplex PCR for Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus.

Nucleocapsid (N), matrix (M) and hemagglutinin (H) genes-based simplex PCRs and an N and M genes-based multiplex PCR were developed for detection of Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV). The M gene PCR was the most sensitive, followed by N, H and an already described fusion (F) gene PCRs, as they could detect the virus in samples with titers of 101, 102, 104and 105 TCID50/ml, respectively. The multiplex PCR was as sensitive as the M gene PCR, but it had the advantage of differentiating PPRV from Rinderpest virus (RPV).