Development of a polymerase chain reaction assay for the specific identification of Burkholderia mallei and differentiation from Burkholderia pseudomallei and other closely related Burkholderiaceae

Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiologic agents responsible for glanders and melioidosis, respectively, are genetically and phenotypically similar and are category B biothreat agents. We used an in silico approach to compare the B. mallei ATCC 23344 and B. pseudomallei K96243 genomes to identify nucleotide sequences unique to B. mallei. Five distinct B. mallei DNA sequences and/or genes were identified and evaluated for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay development. Genomic DNAs from a collection of 31 B. mallei and 34 B. pseudomallei isolates, obtained from various geographic, clinical, and environmental sources over a 70-year period, were tested with PCR primers targeted for each of the B. mallei ATCC 23344-specific nucleotide sequences. Of the 5 chromosomal targets analyzed, only PCR primers designed to bimA(Bm) were specific for B. mallei. These primers were used to develop a rapid PCR assay for the definitive identification of B. mallei and differentiation from all other bacteria.     

实时荧光PCR方法快速检测KI多瘤病毒

目的采用实时荧光PCR方法快速检测KI多瘤病毒(KIPy V),并与巢式PCR扩增法进行比较。方法收集2007年11月至2015年1月在福州市一家妇幼保健院因呼吸道感染住在儿科重症监护病房(PICU)的259例小儿鼻咽抽取物标本和另两家综合医院146例因严重急性呼吸道感染(SARI)住院的成年患者咽拭子标本,通过实时荧光PCR方法对KIPy V的调节区的基因片段进行检测。结果在小儿鼻咽抽取物标本中检测出3例KIPy V感染阳性病例,检测阳性率约为1.2%,而用巢式PCR扩增法只检测出1例,这例的Ct值较低,约为23,并且扩增曲线呈S型。其它两例的Ct值较高,分别约为33和35。在成年患者咽拭子标本中,用两种方法都未检测出KIPy V感染。在两例Ct值较高的小儿病例中,检测出混合有呼吸道合胞病毒(RSV)感染。结论确立的实时荧光PCR方法可以快速检测KIPy V,且特异性较高。     

应用TaqMan实时荧光-聚合酶链反应方法快速检测粪便标本空肠弯曲菌的研究

目的建立空肠弯曲菌TaqMan实时荧光-PCR方法,用于粪便标本的直接检测。方法根据空肠弯曲菌特异性基因hipO和mapA分别设计引物和探针,在对2组引物和探针进行灵敏度、特异性和重复性评价的基础上,对45例临床腹泻患者粪便标本提取DNA之后,荧光PCR检测,同时进行分离培养。 结果两组引物和探针能准确检测空肠弯曲菌菌株2株,检测限可达到10~20 cfu/ml,并与其他肠道致病菌无交叉反应。检测45份腹泻病例粪便标本,该方法检测到3份为阳性,同时进行的传统培养方法仅从该3份标本中的两份中分离到空肠弯曲菌。 结论本研究建立的TaqMan荧光PCR检测粪便标本中所携带的空肠弯曲菌灵敏度高,特异性好,能够提高粪便中空肠弯曲菌的阳性检出率和缩短检测时限。     

产毒型霍乱弧菌实时定量三重TaqMan PCR快速检测方法的建立

应霍乱弧菌产生霍乱毒素的能力.     

The role of a real-time PCR technology for rapid detection and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens in whole-blood samples

The rapid diagnosis of pathogens and prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy are critical factors to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis. In this study, we evaluated a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR-M) test that detects bacteria and fungi in whole-blood specimens, comparing its features to those of a blood culture (BC). Following evaluation of the performance for sensitivity and specificity of PCR-M, 78 blood samples from 54 patients with suspected bacterial infections were evaluated. Whole-blood samples for PCR-M were collected at the same time as BC, and PCR-M results were compared with BC results. As a result, minimum sensitivity of the kit was 1–100 cfu/ml. The PCR-M test correctly identified specificity for 13 out of 14 strains blinded to the assay analyst. Of 78 blood samples examined, 56 (72%) were negative by both methods, and 22 (28%) were positive by at least one of the two methods. PCR-M detected organisms in 21 cases (27%) compared with 12 cases (15%) in BC. The correlation of positives between PCR-M and BC was 92% (11/12), and both methods identified the same organisms in these 11 cases. With higher positive rate compared with BC, PCR-M could detect and identify potentially significant microorganisms within a few hours by using a small volume of a single whole-blood sample. Early detection of microorganisms has the potential to facilitate early determination of appropriate treatment and antimicrobial selection.     

Detection of Neisseria Meningitidis in clinical samples by a duplex real-time PCR targeting the porA and ctrA genes.

BACKGROUND: In recent years PCR has proven to be a highly sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis of infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis. STUDY DESIGN: We developed and evaluated a N. meningitidis LightCycler real-time duplex PCR (NM-LCdPCR) capable of simultaneously detecting and distinguishing between two separate genes on the N. meningitidis genome. METHODS: The NM-LCdPCR was developed on the LightCycler platform (Roche Diagnostics, Castle Hill, NSW, Australia) and comprised two primer pairs and two hybridization probe sets, enabling the detection of both the porA and ctrA genes within the same reaction mix. To distinguish between the fluorescence emitted by each hybridization probe set, each downstream probe was labeled with a different fluorophore (either LC-Red640 or LC-Red705). The results obtained by the NM-LCdPCR were then compared with the results obtained by a mono-specific LightCycler assay targeting the porA gene only (porA-LCPCR). PATIENTS: One-hundred and forty-eight clinical samples from patients with suspected meningococcal infection were evaluated. RESULTS: The results of the NM-LCdPCR and porA-LCPCR gave 100% agreement; N. meningitidis DNA was detected in 25 samples whereas 123 samples were negative by both assays. The breakdown of the NM-LCdPCR results show that both genes were detected in 26 of the 28 positive samples. DISCUSSION: By targeting two separate N. meningitidis genes, the NM-LCdPCR has the potential to prevent the false-positive results which may arise from sequence variation. In addition, the ability to detect and discriminate between the two different N. meningitidis genes within the same reaction mix offers a rapid means for confirming the presence of N. meningitidis DNA in clinical samples, thereby reducing the need for subsequent confirmatory assays to be performed. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of the NM-LCdPCR assay, combined with its ability to detect and discriminate both the N. meningitidis porA and ctrA genes, make it suitable for the diagnosis of N. meningitidis infections in the routine clinical laboratory.     

Duplex real-time PCR assay for rapid detection of ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus faecium

Rapid and accurate identification of carriers of resistant microorganisms is an important aspect of efficient infection control in hospitals. Traditional identification methods of antibiotic-resistant bacteria usually take at least 3 to 4 days after sampling. A duplex real-time PCR assay was developed for rapid detection of ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (ARE). Primers and probes that are used in this assay specifically detected the D-Ala-D-Ala ligase gene of E. faecium and the modified penicillin-binding protein 5 gene (pbp5) carrying the Glu-to-Val substitution at position 629 (Val-629) in a set of 129 tested E. faecium strains with known pbp5 sequence. Presence of the Val-629 in the strain set from 11 different countries was highly correlated with ampicillin resistance. In a screening of hospitalized patients, the real-time PCR assay yielded a sensitivity and a specificity for the detection of ARE colonization of 95% and 100%, respectively. The results were obtained 4 h after samples were harvested from overnight broth of rectal swab samples, identifying both species and the resistance marker mutation in pbp5. This novel assay reliably identifies ARE 2 to 3 days more quickly than traditional culture methods, thereby increasing laboratory throughput, making it useful for rectal screening of ARE. The assay demonstrates the advantages of real-time PCR for detection of nosocomial pathogens.     

A TaqMan-based quantitative real-time PCR assay for identification of the goose circovirus

Goose circovirus (GoCV) is a potential immunosuppressive virus that poses a great hazard to the goose industry and has been shown to be widely distributed throughout China. We have established a fast, sensitive and highly specific TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR detection method for this virus. Specific primers and probes were designed against the conserved regions of the genomic GoCV Rep gene. The results showed that the assay was highly specific and sensitive for GoCV and did not cross-react with other non-targeted waterfowl viruses. The established method will be helpful for epidemiological detection and may be effective in the prevention and control of the disease.     

Heat-shock treatment in a rapid assay for cytomegalovirus detection in clinical samples

A mild heat-shock treatment of cells enhances cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and shortens its eclipse period. This provided the basis for the development of a rapid assay to detect CMV in clinical samples.Urine specimens were inoculated in heat-shocked cells and then CMV-infected cells were visualized at various hours after infection with a monoclonal antibody directed against a CMV-induced immediate-early protein, using an immunoalkaline phosphatase staining. Out of 104 urine specimens examined, 13 proved positive and the assay we describe was able to yield positive results in a single day.     

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。     

Quantitative real-time PCR assay for Clostridium septicum in poultry gangrenous dermatitis associated samples

Clostridium septicum is a spore-forming anaerobe frequently implicated in cases of gangrenous dermatitis (GD) and other spontaneously occurring myonecrotic infections of poultry. Although C. septicum is readily cultured from diseased tissues it can be difficult to enumerate due to its tendency to swarm over the surface of agar plates. In this study a quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed in order to more accurately measure the levels of C. septicum in healthy as well as GD associated poultry samples. The assay was specifically designed to target the C. septicum alpha toxin gene, csa, which is, to our knowledge, carried by all strains of C. septicum and has been shown to be essential for virulence. Genomic DNAs from a diverse collection of bacterial species, including closely related Clostridium chauvoei, Clostridium carnis, Clostridium tertium as well as several strains of Clostridium perfringens, all failed to produce a positive reaction. An approximate reproducible limit of detection in spiked extracts of at least 10³ cfu/g of C. septicum was observed for a variety of different sample types. C. septicum levels in broiler chicken field samples estimated from the results of qPCR were statistically correlated to culture based enumerations obtained from those same tissues.     

Two-color multiplex assay for the identification of orthopox viruses with real-time LUX- PCR

The LUX [Light Upon eXtension] is a real-time detection system that can be used for the detection and quantification of pathogens nucleic acids. In this study we used a universal LUX approach, a variation of the LUX detection system, for identifying Orthopoxvirus nucleic acids in real time. This approach enables the design of sequence-specific primer sets in high identity genome sequences. The assay described here is designed to allow simultaneous detection of Variola and other orthopox viruses in a multiplex format, with a limit of detection in the range of 50--100 copies of the Orthopoxvirus genome. Regression analysis showed that the assay was linear over seven orders of magnitude, with 0.97 correlation coefficient. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay, as determined from a panel of 100 samples that contained nucleic acids from a variety of bacteria and viral species, were rated at 98%. Thus, the assay offers a sensitive and specific tool for simultaneous identification and quantification of Variola and other orthopox viruses, and the approach allows more flexible sequence-specific primers design for pox viruses as well as other microbial pathogens.     

Ultra-rapid detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by real-time PCR in the LightCycler using SYBR green technology or 5'-nuclease probes

Chlamydia trachomatis infections are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases and of great epidemiological importance world-wide. Identification of this pathogen can be difficult, and it is highly desirable to have a rapid and accurate nucleic acid based detection method. Several commercial PCR test systems are available (e.g. CobasAmplicor, Roche, Mannheim, Germany) but they require post-amplification detection by hybridization resulting in extended work-up time and possible cross-contamination. The objective of our study was to develop a routine diagnostic method for the sensitive, specific and rapid detection of C. trachomatis. The obvious choice is real-time PCR without any post-amplification procedures. The dye SYBR Green I (intercalating in dsDNA) provides a simple and fast real-time PCR in the LightCycler. Specific primer design combined with melting curve analysis allows a reliable and sensitive identification of C. trachomatis. In addition, a new commercial real-time PCR system (RealArt C. trachomatis LC PCR Reagents, artus, Hamburg, Germany) was evaluated, that combines sequence-specific primers and fluorescence-labelled (FRET) 5'-nuclease probes. An internal control integrated in this system detects false negative results and erroneous PCR conditions. All results were compared with the corresponding data from an analysis using the CobasAmplicor system (Roche). (Clin     

Evaluation of a real-time fluorescent PCR assay for rapid detection of Group B Streptococci in neonatal blood

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus: GBS) is the major causative agent of neonatal sepsis. Neonates at risk for GBS infections are empirically administered broad-spectrum antibiotics for at least 48 h pending blood culture results. A rapid assay to expedite detection of GBS would facilitate initiation of specific antibiotic therapy. Conversely, expeditious proof of absence of infection will avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. Using the LightCycler, we evaluated a hybridization probe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect GBS-specific cfb gene target DNA sequence in blood specimens. Both sensitivity and specificity of the real-time PCR assay was 100%. The assay demonstrated 100% specificity when tested against 26 non-GBS bacteria. This method is capable of detecting as few as approximately 100 copies or 10 pg of GBS genomic DNA. This real-time PCR method is rapid, sensitive, and specific for the detection of GBS in neonatal blood samples and holds great promise in its utility in the diagnostic laboratory.     

Development of a multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay for the detection of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pneumoniae in human clinical specimens

Diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pneumoniae infections has traditionally relied on serological assays. We developed a multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of C. psittaci, C. pneumoniae and an internal control. Results of this assay demonstrated 100% concordance compared to results of previously tested human clinical specimens.     

实时荧光定量PCR在快速检测耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌中的应用评估

目的评价实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(PCR)在快速检测耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌(MRSA)中的应用。方法采用头孢西丁纸片扩散法和mecA基因PCR检测法,将85株临床分离的金黄色葡萄球菌区分为MRSA和甲氧西林敏感金黄色葡萄球菌(MSSA),并采用实时荧光定量PCR对这些菌株进行检测,评价MRSA检测中实时荧光定量PCR与目前常规检测方法的一致性。结果根据头孢西丁纸片扩散法和mecA基因扩增结果进行分组,85株金黄色葡萄球菌中MRSA组菌株45株,MSSA组菌株40株;实时荧光定量PCR检测结果与上述结果完全一致,符合率为100%。结论实时荧光定量PCR检测MRSA的结果与常规方法一致性好,且具有操作简便、耗时短等特点。作为一种快速检测方法,实时荧光定量PCR能将金黄色葡萄球菌的鉴定和MRSA的筛选结合起来,对于指导临床用药及MRSA医院感染控制具有重要意义。     

Development and validation of a quantitative real-time PCR assay for the early diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis

A new real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay based on a Coccidioides genus–specific molecular beacon probe was developed for the detection of coccidioidomycosis and validated with tissues from animal models and clinical samples. The assay showed high analytic reproducibility (r² > 0.99) and specificity for cultured strains (100%); the lower limit of detection was 1 fg of genomic DNA/μL of reaction. Fungal burdens in the organs of mice infected with Coccidioides posadasii strain Silveira were more accurately quantified by RT-PCR compared to colony-forming unit for all tissues. The RT-PCR assay was positive for 97.7% of spleen and 100% of liver or lung. Progression of infection in all organs was similar by both methods (P > 0.05). The sensitivity of the assay also was 100% for paraffin-embedded samples and samples from patients with positive cultures. Our RT-PCR assay is effective for the diagnosis and monitoring of Coccidioides infection, and its use also avoids the biohazard and time delay of identifying cultures in the clinical setting.