Distribution of the different categories of artefacts found in the panFMDV-5UTR PCR reactions using normal or hot-start dNTPs.

RNA samples from different FMDV isolates (n = 12) were amplified with non-tailed or tailed primers using either normal or hot-start dNTPs. RT-qPCR products were analysed by high-throughput sequencing to study the contribution of each primer to the formation of PCR artefacts. Artefacts were classified into 4 categories based on the primer sequences present on both ends (FWD: forward, REV: reverse). The table lists the mean proportion and 95% confidence interval of each artefact category.