We have developed a one-tube reverse transcription (RT)-PCR method using the real-time TaqMan PCR system for the detection of norovirus genogroup I (NV GGI). By introduction of a novel probe based on locked nucleic acid technology, we enhanced the sensitivity of the assay compared to those of conventional TaqMan probes. The sensitivity of the NV GGI RT-PCR was determined by probit analysis with...

Hepatitis C is blood-borne viral disease worldwide. Chronic hepatitis C infection leads to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer. Antiviral therapy exists and approximately 50% of infected individuals can be cured. The importance of low cost molecular diagnostic assays are especially important for the developing nations as they are already burdened with increasing number of hep...

Japanese encephalitis (JE), a mosquito-borne viral disease, is endemic to the entire east and southeast Asia, and some other parts of the world. Currently, there is no effective therapeutic available for JE; therefore, finding the effective antiviral agent against JEV replication is crucial. In the present study, the in vitro antiviral activity of baicalein and quercetin, two purportedly antivi...