RAZOR: a database of PCR primers targeting human respiratory viruses

Respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and others represent a considerable threat to public health, infecting millions of people annually. Previous respiratory virus outbreaks have demonstrated the value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing as a gold standard for definitive virus identification; however, existing database resources for viral PCR primer design are either outdated or restricted to a small number of species. To address the need for updated and comprehensive viral PCR resources, we introduce RAZOR, a database of nearly 20 000 primers covering 20 different respiratory virus species. We created genome-wide template sets for each virus and used them to design quantitative PCR (qPCR) and standard PCR primer pairs with Primer3. Detailed primer information, including sequence coordinates, melting and annealing temperatures, GC content, and hairpin structure probabilities, is provided through a user-friendly Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) interactive display. Validated primers, including a group of SARS-CoV-2 primers tested by our group, are also showcased in a dedicated section of the IGV. RAZOR stands out as a valuable tool for investigators designing targeted PCR approaches for respiratory virus detection. Database URL: https://razor-razor.webapps.iu.edu.