Which of the following PCR formats, is/are used in the detection of both DNA & RNA viruses? P. RT-PCR Q. IC-PCR R. IC-RT-PCR

Nucleic acid based detection systems were greatly improved following the development of the polymerase improved following the development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR is able to detect pathogens by targeting their genetic material (RNA/DNA). Real time PCR (RT-PCR) is used to combine amplification, detection and quantification in a single step for RNA as target. Immunocapture PCR (IC-PCR) is used to combine the advantages of serology and is a very sensitive method of detection the diseases by targeting both DNA & RNA as genetic material. Multiplex PCR (IC-RT-PCR) allows for simultaneous and sensitive detection of different DNA & RNA as genetic material in the detection of plant diseases in a single reaction.