Single tube multiplex real-time PCR for the rapid detection of herpesvirus infections of the central nervous system

Human herpesvirus infection of immunocompromised hosts may lead to central nervous system (CNS) infection and diseases. In this study, a single tube multiplex real-time PCR was developed for the detection of five herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV and CMV) in clinical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens. Two primer pairs specific for the herpesvirus polymerase gene and five hybridization probe pairs for the specific identification of the herpesvirus types were used in a LightCycler multiplex real-time PCR. A singleplex real-time PCR was first optimized and then applied to the multiplex real-time PCR. The singleplex and multiplex real-time PCRs showed no cross-reactivity. The sensitivity of the singleplex real-time PCR was 1 copy per reaction for each herpesvirus, while that of the multiplex real-time PCR was 1 copy per reaction for HSV-1 and VZV and 10 copies per reaction for HSV-2, EBV and CMV. Intra and inter-assay variations of the single tube multiplex assay were in the range of 0.02%–3.67% and 0.79%–4.35%, respectively. The assay was evaluated by testing 62 clinical CSF samples and was found to have equivalent sensitivity, specificity and agreement as the routine real-time PCR, but reducing time, cost and amount of used sample.     

艾滋病相关支原体多重实时荧光聚合酶链反应检测方法的初步建立

目的 建立一种快速、灵敏和特异的艾滋病相关支原体(穿透支原体、发酵支原体和梨支原体)多重实时荧光聚合酶链反应(Multiplex real-time PCR)检测技术。 方法 使用Beacon Designer 7.0软件在穿透支原体和发酵支原体的ftsZ基因以及梨支原体的rpoB基因保守区域设计多重引物及荧光探针,建立并优化艾滋病相关支原体Multiplex real-time PCR检测体系。分别使用3种支原体阳性质粒标准品评价体系的灵敏度,使用8种其他支原体、14种常见致病菌和人类基因组核酸评价该体系的特异度,并与普通聚合酶链反应(PCR)检测方法进行比较。 结果 该Multiplex real-time PCR方法对穿透支原体和发酵支原体检测灵敏度为103拷贝,约为普通PCR的10倍,对梨支原体检测灵敏度为102拷贝,约为普通PCR 100倍。该体系对8种其他支原体、14种常见致病菌和人类基因组均不能扩增。 结论 本研究建立的Multiplex real-time PCR方法可同时快速、准确的检测穿透支原体、发酵支原体和梨支原体。有望用于临床标本检测,完善对艾滋病相关支原体的检测能力。     

Development and evaluation of a 4-target multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection and characterization of Yersinia pestis

A multiplexed, 4-target real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection and characterization of Yersinia pestis was designed and optimized for respiratory and environmental samples. The target sequences include the entF3 gene of the chromosome, pla (plasminogen activator) on the pPCP1 virulence plasmid, caf1 (F1 capsule antigen) on the pMT1 virulence plasmid, and a region located on the pCD1 plasmid. The sensitivity of this assay was determined to be less than 85 CFU per reaction for each specimen type analyzed. This assay was also determined to be 100% specific with strains of Y. pestis, 9 additional Yersinia species, and related enteric and respiratory organisms. The results show that this multiplex real-time PCR assay using TaqMan(R) (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Alameda, CA) chemistry is sensitive and specific, requires minimal sample input, and can yield results in approximately 4 h. This assay is the first 4-target multiplex real-time PCR assay for Y. pestis in which detection and virulence assessment of Y. pestis can occur in one reaction, from clinical and environmental samples.     

食品中志贺活菌叠氮溴乙锭实时荧光聚合酶链反应技术研究

目的 利用叠氮溴乙锭（ethidium monoazide bromide,EMA）实时荧光聚合酶链反应（PCR）技术,建立一种简便、快速、特异、灵敏的在食品中检测志贺活菌的方法。方法 根据志贺菌ipaH基因保守序列设计特异性引物和探针。用不同EMA浓度、不同光照次数优化样品EMA前处理条件。用已知菌验证志贺活菌检测的敏感性和志贺死菌检测的抑制性。用31株志贺菌、26株单增李斯特菌、24株沙门菌、25株副溶血弧菌、11株阪崎肠杆菌、10株致病性大肠埃希菌和1株大肠埃希菌验证方法的特异性和稳定性。同时用本研究方法和常规分离培养法,对30件模拟样品进行实样验证。结果 志贺活菌EMA实时荧光PCR方法的循环阈值（Ct）=32.10~3.19log（菌量）（R2=0.994）。最低检测浓度为2.20 CFU/反应。对死菌DNA抑制效率99.97%。31株志贺菌Ct值最低为15.04,最高为26.54,而97株非志贺菌的Ct值均35或无Ct值（呈一条直线）。重复试验Ct值变异系数3。30件模拟样品采用本研究方法和常规分离培养法的检测结果一致,但采用EMA实时荧光PCR方法耗时不超过7.5 h,而常规分离培养方法则需要3～5 d。结论 EMA实时荧光PCR技术是一种快速简便、特异性强、灵敏度高、仅检测志贺活菌的方法,建议在食品检测中推广应用。     

Description of a multiplex Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis LightCycler PCR assay with inhibition control

While culture for Bordetella species is highly specific, sensitivity is extremely variable due to patient age, immunization status, antibiotic treatment, and specimen transport conditions. We evaluated a real-time multiplex PCR assay as an alternative to culture for the detection and differentiation of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis. The PCR conditions allowed the simultaneous detection of one B. pertussis organism and five B. parapertussis organisms per reaction. An inhibition control was incorporated into the assay. Of 163 total samples evaluated, 37 of 38 samples positive by either culture or direct fluorescent antibody testing (DFA) were also positive by PCR (97% sensitivity). Of 125 culture- or DFA-negative samples, 101 were also negative by PCR (81% specificity). The described multiplex assay is a rapid, sensitive, contamination-limiting, real-time PCR assay that controls for inhibition. The assay performs well using liquid or swab samples and from dried material on slides.     

Four-color multiplex 5' nuclease assay for the simultaneous detection of the factor V Leiden and the prothrombin G20210A mutations

We developed a real-time multiplex four-color assay for the simultaneous detection of the factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin (PT) G20210A mutations in one closed tube using a single thermocycling protocol. The assay combines the power of multiplex PCR with the specificity provided by allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridization using the 5' nuclease assay format. Human genomic DNA is prepared from whole blood with standard procedures. A 97-bp DNA sequence of the coagulation factor V gene is co-amplified with a 111-bp DNA sequence of the coagulation factor II (PT) gene using four PCR primers. In addition, the reactions included four differentially labeled ASO probes for the specific detection of the different FVL/PT G20210A genotypes. To evaluate the assay's performance characteristics, we performed a comparison of two methods. We analyzed DNA samples from 52 individuals with known FVL/PT G20210A genotypes that were previously genotyped with an assay that combined PCR with the use of restriction fragment length polymorphisms. We found a 100% concordance between the results generated by both methodologies. We conclude that the four-color multiplex assay is specific and reproducible for the detection of the FVL/PT G20210A mutations, and it can be easily adapted for the detection of other SNPs.     

Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella spp. in clinical specimens using a single-tube multiplex real-time PCR assay

A multiplex real-time PCR assay for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP181), Chlamydia (Chlamydophila) pneumoniae (CP-Arg), Legionella spp. (Pan-Leg), and the human RNase P (RNase P) gene was developed for rapid testing of atypical bacterial respiratory pathogens in clinical specimens. This method uses 4 distinct hydrolysis probes to detect 3 leading causes of community-acquired pneumonia. The assay was evaluated for specificity and sensitivity by testing against 35 related organisms, a dilution series of each specific target and 197 clinical specimens. Specificity testing demonstrated no cross-reactivity. A comparison to previously validated singleplex real-time PCR assays for each agent was also performed. The analytical sensitivity for specific pathogen targets in both the singleplex and multiplex was identical (50 fg), while efficiencies ranged from 82% to 97% for the singleplex assays and from 90% to 100% for the multiplex assay. The clinical sensitivity of the multiplex assay was improved for the Pan-Leg and CP-Arg targets when compared to the singleplex. The MP181 assay displayed equivalent performance. This multiplex assay provides an overall improvement in the diagnostic capability for these agents by demonstrating a sensitive, high-throughput and rapid method. This procedure may allow for a practical and efficient means to test respiratory clinical specimens for atypical pneumonia agents in health care settings and facilitate an appropriate public health response to outbreaks.     

Rapid detection of mecA and nuc genes in staphylococci by real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction

A multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the mecA and nuc genes was developed for the detection of methicillin resistance and identification of Staphylococcus aureus. Novel mecA and nuc primers and fluorescence resonance energy transfer hybridization probes specific for the mecA and nuc genes were evaluated. The assay was performed using the LightCycler system (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Mannheim, Germany) and evaluated against the traditional gel-based multiplex PCR (PCR-gel) method currently used at Royal Perth Hospital. Clinical isolates (n = 222) and isolates from a culture collection library (n = 206) were tested by both assays in parallel. The RT-PCR assay was 100% sensitive and specific for the detection of methicillin resistance and for the identification of S. aureus when compared with the PCR-gel assay. Results from the RT-PCR assay showed 5 isolates with lower efficiency fluorescence curves for the nuc gene PCR fragment. DNA sequencing showed mutations within the region of the probe-binding sites compared with the reference strain. The results of the RT-PCR assay were available within 2 h. This rapid mecA/nuc RT-PCR assay is a suitable and practical tool for the routine detection of methicillin resistance and identification of S. aureus, which can be easily incorporated into the diagnostic molecular microbiology laboratory work flow.     

Multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains

Foodborne disease caused by pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus has become a serious public health problem in many countries. Rapid diagnosis and the identification of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus are very important in the context of public health. In this study, an EvaGreen-based multiplex real-time PCR assay was established for the detection of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. This assay targeted three genetic markers of V. parahaemolyticus (species-specific gene toxR and virulence genes tdh and trh). The assay could unambiguously identify pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus with a minimum detection limit of 1.4 pg genomic DNA per reaction (concentration giving a positive multiplex real-time PCR result in 95% of samples). The specificity of the assay was evaluated using 72 strains of V. parahaemolyticus and other bacteria. A validation of the assay with clinical samples confirmed its sensitivity and specificity. Our data suggest the newly established multiplex real-time PCR assay is practical, cost-effective, specific, sensitive and capable of high-throughput detection of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus.     

Development of a multiplex real-time quantitative PCR assay to detect Chlamydia pneumoniae,Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in respiratory tract secretions

Atypical pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia. The available detection methods (culture and serology) either lack sensitivity or give only a retrospective diagnosis. In order to improve their detection and quantification in respiratory samples, a real-time multiplex PCR, performed in two separate reactions, was developed for these three pathogens. The comparison of multiplex real-time and conventional PCR assay on 73 respiratory specimens showed an overall agreement of 98.3%, corresponding to 95.8%, 100% and 100% agreement for C. pneumoniae, L. pneumophila and M. pneumoniae, respectively. Clinical application of this multiplex real-time PCR was done on 40 respiratory samples from 38 patients with respiratory tract infections. Of 19 serology-positive patients, 14 were confirmed by the multiplex real-time PCR to be infected by either one of the three pathogens. All samples from serology-negative patients were negative with the multiplex real-time PCR.     

类志贺邻单胞菌实时荧光TaqMan PCR快速检测体系的建立

目的建立针对类志贺邻单胞菌的高灵敏、高特异的实时荧光TaqMan聚合酶链式反应(PCR)快速检测体系。方法根据类志贺邻单胞菌23S rRNA基因的一段特异性序列设计引物及TaqMan探针,利用实时荧光PCR检测平台探讨该检测体系的灵敏度;用30种其他肠道致病菌及院内感染中常见的致病菌评价该检测体系的特异性。结果实时荧光TaqMan PCR快速检测体系对类志贺邻单胞菌重组质粒的检测灵敏度为1×102拷贝/反应体系;对类志贺邻单胞菌基因组的检测灵敏度为3×10-2pg/反应体系;该检测体系在检测30种其他肠道致病菌及院内感染中常见的致病菌时未出现特异性扩增,整个反应在2 h内完成。结论本研究建立的实时荧光TaqMan PCR检测体系可作为类志贺邻单胞菌灵敏、特异、快速的检测方法。     

13种链球菌超抗原基因的双重实时荧光PCR检测方法的建立

目的建立一新的快速的链球菌超抗原基因检测方法,能快速、灵敏及特异地分析样本中存在的各种超抗原基因。方法根据13种链球菌超抗原基因的保守序列设计特异性引物和探针,利用13种超抗原的阳性标本作为模板来优化了反应体系与扩增条件,并验证其特异度与灵敏度。结果利用该研究建立的双重荧光PCR方法体系,可以特异性鉴定出13种链球菌超抗原,并且与其他呼吸道病原菌也没有交叉反应。另外,该检测体系的检测灵敏度高于普通PCR至少1~2个数量级(10~100倍)及以上。结论该研究建立的双重实时荧光PCR法能更加准确、快速地对链球菌菌株中的超抗原基因进行检测分析。     

双重荧光定量RT-PCR快速检测甲型和甲型H1N1流感病毒

目的建立双重荧光RT-PCR快速检测方法,用于甲型和甲型H1N1流感病毒的同时检测和鉴别诊断。方法针对甲型流感病毒M基因和甲型H1N1流感病毒NA基因的保守区序列分别设计特异性引物和Taqman探针,建立优化双重荧光RT-PCR反应体系,评价所建双重RT-PCR反应体系的特异性、敏感性和稳定性,并应用于疑似流感或甲型H1N1流感含漱液标本检测。结果该方法对甲型、甲型H1N1流感病毒检测具有高度特异性,检出限分别为0.01 TCID50和0.1 TCID50,具有较好的稳定性。可从疑似流感或甲型H1N1流感患者含漱液中直接检测到流感病毒核酸。结论本研究建立的双重荧光定量RT-PCR可以同时准确检测甲型和甲型H1N1流感病毒,灵敏度高,稳定性好,是一种快速检测流感病毒的新方法。     

Comparison of real-time PCR and MassTag PCR for the multiplex detection of highly pathogenic agents

Multiplex PCR assays are a cost- as well as labour-effective way to analyse one sample for several pathogens simultaneously. Besides the mutual competition of the individual PCR reactions included in a multiplex PCR assay, their specific read-out displays a limiting factor for the total number of PCR reactions that can be multiplexed. In this study, two PCR systems with different read-out approaches are compared, using a pentaplex PCR assay for the detection of highly pathogenic agents. A pentaplex assay was used since five represents the current limit of real-time PCR multiplexing capacity due to the low resolution of fluorescence emission peaks of the current equipment. In contrast, MassTag PCR as a quite new technique offers the possibility to detect up to 20-30 target sequences from one reaction. After extensive and separate optimisation of the PCR protocol for both platforms, a comparative probit analysis showed good sensitivities for MassTag and real-time PCR detection. Nevertheless, the detection limits of MassTag PCR have been undercut by the real-time PCR for each target. We therefore conclude that MassTag PCR is a useful diagnostic technique for the sensitive screening for pathogens by highly multiplexed PCR assays, but cannot reach the sensitivity of real-time PCR for lower multiplexed PCR assays.     

The SNPforID Assay as a Supplementary Method in Kinship and Trace Analysis

Objective

Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis using commercial multiplex PCR kits is the method of choice for kinship testing and trace analysis. However, under certain circumstances (deficiency testing, mutations, minute DNA amounts), STRs alone may not suffice.

Methods

We present a 50-plex single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay based on the SNPs chosen by the SNPforID consortium as an additional method for paternity and for trace analysis. The new assay was applied to selected routine paternity and trace cases from our laboratory.

Results and Conclusions

Our investigation shows that the new SNP multiplex assay is a valuable method to supplement STR analysis, and is a powerful means to solve complicated genetic analyses.     

多重PCR法和HPV分型基因芯片法在高危型人乳头瘤病毒感染检测中的应用

目的评价高危型人乳头瘤病毒（HPV）多重核酸扩增荧光检测法和HPV分型基因芯片检测法在HPV感染女性患者标本基因分型的临床应用效果。方法应用13种高危型HPV多重PCR荧光检测法对在深圳市人民医院进行宫颈癌筛查的653例疑似HPV感染女患者的宫颈细胞样本进行检测,并与HPV分型基因芯片检测法的检测结果进行比较,2种方法检测13种高危型HPV不一致的样本经序列分析方法进一步验证。结果13种高危型HPV多重PCR荧光检测法检测HPV阳性样本,阳性检出率为21．5％（140／653）;用HPV分型基因芯片检测法验证,与13种高危型HPV多重PCR荧光检测法一致的阳性样本占20．4％（133／653）,总一致率为98．2％。2种方法的检测结果具有高度一致性（kappa值一o．945）;用HPV分型基因芯片检测法检出：HPV单一型别感染占59．4％（79／133）,主要的高危HPV型别为HPV16、52、39、68、33和59型,6种高危型占总数的87．3％（69／79）,其中HPV16和HPV52为主要感染,占44．9％。结论高危型HPV多重PCR荧光检测法和HPV分型基因芯片检测法在13种高危型HPV的检结果具有高度一致性;多重PCR荧光检测法覆盖主要的13种高危型HPV,分型基因芯片检测法可进行具体的单一型别分型。2种检测方法的联合应用,对宫颈癌筛查和预防具有较高的临床应用价值,同时可为HPV分子流行病学和HPV疫苗的应用研究提供依据。     

Standardization non-invasive fetal RHD and SRY determination into clinical routine using a new multiplex RT-PCR assay for fetal cell-free DNA in pregnant women plasma: results in clinical benefits and cost saving

IntroductionAmong negative RhD mothers it is essential to know the fetal RhD status in order to avoid the possibility of hemolytic disease of the newborn. In this regard, the detection of fetal DNA in maternal plasma might become a new diagnostic tool. In the current study, we have evaluated the standardization of a Multiplex-PCR targeted towards two exons of the RHD and one SRY gene to monitor RhD negative women. The current study addresses questions concerning feasibility and applicability of this approach into the clinical practice.Materials and methodsBoth single and multiplex real-time PCRs targeting RHD exons 5 and 7 and SRY were applied for the detection of fetal-specific RHD sequences and sex in maternal plasma. A large cohort of 2127 women was studied between 10 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. 134 of them were used for single TaqMan PCR studies and 1993 were evaluated using Multiplex TaqMan PCR studies. All of them were serologically typed as RhD negative according to Spanish guidelines. Single and multiplex real-time PCR results were compared with postnatal serology and sex identification.ResultsThere was a 100% concordance between results obtained with single and multiplex real-time PCR assays. At present, 1012 of the 1993 pregnant women studied gave birth and the results of RHD status obtained with the multiplex TaqMan PCR assay were confirmed postpartum by serological methods showing that sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the multiplex assay were 100, 98.6, and 99.3%, respectively. This procedure improved the speed of the assay, avoided over-treatment among RhD negative pregnant women bearing RhD negative fetus, and reduced the requirements for clinical and biological monitoring, resulting in a clinical benefit and cost saving.ConclusionsThe routine determination of fetal RHD status and SRY in maternal plasma, using multiplex real-time PCR, is feasible. The use of multiplex real-time PCR allows improving the response of the laboratory, saving time and reagent costs, opening the door to a complete automatization of the process.     

肺炎链球菌多重巢式荧光PCR分型方法的建立和应用

目的建立一种敏感且节省标本的多重巢式荧光PCR方法，用于临床标本中肺炎链球菌的分型。方法以检测肺炎链球菌种属（lytA基因）和20组常见血清型的引物和探针为基础，分别采用92株不同血清型的肺炎链球菌菌株和系列稀释的参考DNA模板，建立多重巢式荧光PCR方法。 评价该方法的特异性和敏感性，同时与荧光PCR方法进行比较。 将该方法用于14份肺炎链球菌培养阳性和30份肺炎链球菌培养阴性的临床标本的检测，评价实际应用效果。结果多重巢式荧光PCR与荧光PCR方法能准确鉴定/区分大部分菌株（90/92）的血清型。 前者的检测灵敏度为1～100 fg/μl，9种血清型的灵敏度高于荧光PCR方法（10～100 fg/μl）。 44份临床标本中，多重巢式荧光PCR与荧光PCR方法分别检测出34和31份阳性（P＝0.778），2种方法的DNA模板使用量分别为15 μl和66 μl。结论多重巢式荧光PCR比荧光PCR方法节省标本且更加灵敏。     

Multiplex detection of antibiotic resistance genes using padlock probes

The elucidation of resistance mechanisms is of central importance to providing and maintaining efficient medical treatment. However, molecular detection methods covering the complete set of resistance genes with a single test are still missing. Here, we present a novel 100-plex assay based on padlock probes in combination with a microarray that allows the simultaneous large-scale identification of highly diverse β-lactamases. The specificity of the assay was performed using 70 clinical bacterial isolates, recovering 98% of the β-lactamase nucleotide sequences present. Additionally, the sensitivity was evaluated with PCR products and genomic bacterial DNA, revealing a detection limit of 10⁴ DNA copies per reaction when using PCR products as the template. Pre-amplification of genomic DNA in a 25-multiplex PCR further facilitated the detection of β-lactamase genes in dilutions of 10⁷ cells/mL. In summary, we present an efficient, highly specific, and highly sensitive multiplex detection method for any gene.     

Ligation-mediated rolling-circle amplification-based approaches to single nucleotide polymorphism detection

Ligation-mediated single nucleotide polymorphism detection coupled with an efficient method of signal enhancement, such as rolling-circle amplification, hyperbranched rolling-circle amplification or PCR, has provided the foundation for the development of variable single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping and analyzing methods for different applications. Several methods based on the above approaches have been developed, enabling rapid genotyping of a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms directly from a small amount of genomic DNA and large-scale multiplex single nucleotide polymorphism (>1000 single nucleotide polymorphisms per assay) analysis on microarrays. This review categorizes different approaches and describes the principles of each approach for single nucleotide polymorphism detection. Possible future research directions including the development of optimized methods for analysis of cytologic samples and other applications are also discussed.