Improving the specific diagnosis of trematode, cestode and nematode infections by a multiplex single-tube real-time PCR assay

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (7) ◽  
pp. 487-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson S Y Wong ◽  
Rosana W S Poon ◽  
Kelvin K W To ◽  
Jasper F W Chan ◽  
Gang Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
28S Rrna ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Single Tube ◽  
Histological Sections ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Stool Samples

AimsHelminth infections are becoming uncommon in high-income countries and laboratory staff may lose expertise in their morphological identification, especially in histological sections where speciation of helminths is challenging. Commercially available molecular diagnostic panels for faecal specimens only offer tests for protozoa but not helminths. We aim to improve the identification accuracy of helminths using a multiplex PCR assay.MethodsWe designed three pairs of PCR primers and probes targeting multicopy genes for a multiplex single-tube real-time PCR assay which covers 16 trematode (28S rRNA gene), 24 cestode (cox1 gene) and 33 nematode (cox1 gene) species. Helminths (n=27) from faecal samples (n=10), fresh parasites (n=11), formalin-fixed specimens (n=4), cerebrospinal fluid (n=1) and bile (n=1) were examined morphologically and tested by PCR. Fifty stool samples negative for parasites by microscopy were also tested.ResultsThe PCR assay correctly identified the genera of all tested helminths. Agarose gel electrophoresis and sequencing of the purified PCR amplicons confirmed that the PCR products were of correct sizes with 100% correlation with the respective species. Sequencing of the cox1 gene failed to identify Capillaria spp. in one sample owing to the lack of corresponding sequences in GenBank. PCR and sequencing of the nematode 18S rRNA gene using consensus primers showed 100% homology with Capillaria spp. sequence. No positive PCR products were found in the negative stool samples.ConclusionsThe highly specific test correctly identified all helminths in our cohort. It is a useful adjunct to helminth identification in difficult situations such as histological sections.

scholarly journals Comparison of Three Real-Time PCR Assays Targeting the SSU rRNA Gene, the COWP Gene and the DnaJ-Like Protein Gene for the Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in Stool Samples

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1131
Author(s):  
Felix Weinreich ◽  
Andreas Hahn ◽  
Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt ◽  
Torsten Feldt ◽  
Fred Stephen Sarfo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Protein Gene ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Ssu Rrna ◽  
Ssu Rrna Gene ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Pcr Assays

As qualified microscopy of enteric parasitoses as defined by high diagnostic accuracy is difficult to maintain in non-endemic areas due to scarce opportunities for practicing with positive sample materials, molecular diagnostic options provide less investigator-dependent alternatives. Here, we compared three molecular targets for the real-time PCR-based detection of Cryptosporidium spp. From a population of 1000 individuals comprising both Ghanaian HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patients and military returnees after deployment in the tropics, stool samples were assessed for Cryptosporidium spp. by real-time PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall (COWP) gene, and the DnaJ-like protein gene (DnaJ), respectively. In declining order, sensitivity of 100% for the SSU rRNA gene PCR, 90.0% for the COWP PCR and 88.8% for the DnaJ PCR, respectively, as well as specificity of 99.6% for the COWP PCR and 96.9% for both the SSU rRNA gene PCR and the DnaJ PCR, respectively, were recorded. Substantial agreement (kappa value 0.663) between the three assays was observed. Further, an accuracy-adjusted Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence of 6.0% was calculated for the study population. In conclusion, none of the assessed real-time PCR assays were associated with perfect test accuracy. However, a combination of highly sensitive SSU rRNA gene PCR for screening purposes and more specific COWP PCR for confirmatory testing should allow reliable diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in stool samples even in low prevalence settings.

scholarly journals Differing Effects of Standard and Harsh Nucleic Acid Extraction Procedures on Diagnostic Helminth Real-Time PCRs Applied to Human Stool Samples

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
Tanja Hoffmann ◽  
Andreas Hahn ◽  
Jaco J. Verweij ◽  
Gérard Leboulle ◽  
Olfert Landt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Acid Extraction ◽  
Nucleic Acid Extraction ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Bead Beating ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Pcr Assays ◽  
Human Stool

This study aimed to assess standard and harsher nucleic acid extraction schemes for diagnostic helminth real-time PCR approaches from stool samples. A standard procedure for nucleic acid extraction from stool and a procedure including bead-beating as well as proteinase K digestion were compared with group-, genus-, and species-specific real-time PCR assays targeting helminths and nonhelminth pathogens in human stool samples. From 25 different in-house and commercial helminth real-time PCR assays applied to 77 stool samples comprising 67 historic samples and 10 external quality assessment scheme samples positively tested for helminths, higher numbers of positive test results were observed after bead-beating-based nucleic acid extraction for 5/25 (20%) real-time PCR assays irrespective of specificity issues. Lower cycle threshold values were observed for one real-time PCR assay after the standard extraction scheme, and for four assays after the bead-beating-based scheme. Agreement between real-time PCR results after both nucleic acid extraction strategies according to Cohen’s kappa ranged from poor to almost perfect for the different assays. Varying agreement was observed in eight nonhelminth real-time PCR assays applied to 67 historic stool samples. The study indicates highly variable effects of harsh nucleic acid extraction approaches depending on the real-time PCR assay used.

scholarly journals Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection and Enumeration of Dekkera bruxellensis in Wine

2003 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 7430-7434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor G. Phister ◽  
David A. Mills
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Pcr Primers ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Dekkera Bruxellensis ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Spoilage Yeast ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
26S Rrna

ABSTRACT Traditional methods to detect the spoilage yeast Dekkera bruxellensis from wine involve lengthy enrichments. To overcome this difficulty, we developed a quantitative real-time PCR method to directly detect and enumerate D. bruxellensis in wine. Specific PCR primers to D. bruxellensis were designed to the 26S rRNA gene, and nontarget yeast and bacteria common to the winery environment were not amplified. The assay was linear over a range of cell concentrations (6 log units) and could detect as little as 1 cell per ml in wine. The addition of large amounts of nontarget yeasts did not impact the efficiency of the assay. This method will be helpful to identify possible routes of D. bruxellensis infection in winery environments. Moreover, the time involved in performing the assay (3 h) should enable winemakers to more quickly make wine processing decisions in order to reduce the threat of spoilage by D. bruxellensis.

Detection of dengue virus serotypes by single-tube multiplex RT-PCR and multiplex real-time PCR assay

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kundan Tandel ◽  
Mahadevan Kumar ◽  
G.S. Bhalla ◽  
S.P.S. Shergill ◽  
Vijaya Swarnim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Single Tube ◽  
Dengue Virus Serotypes

Single-tube multiplex real-time PCR assay for rapid and reliable detection of HLA-A*31:01 allele

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 837-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingting Zhang ◽  
Ying Xiao ◽  
Yanxia Wang ◽  
Yanwei Li ◽  
Lirong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Single Tube ◽  
Reliable Detection

Multiplex Real-Time PCR Detection of Fumonisin-Producing and Trichothecene-Producing Groups of Fusarium Species

2004 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 536-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. H. BLUHM ◽  
M. A. COUSIN ◽  
C. P. WOLOSHUK
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Genomic Dna ◽  
Fusarium Species ◽  
Fusarium Spp ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Microbiological Methods ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Its Pcr

Some species of Fusarium can produce mycotoxins during food processing procedures that facilitate fungal growth, such as the malting of barley. The objectives of this study were to develop a 5′ fluorogenic (Taqman) real-time PCR assay for group-specific detection of trichothecene- and fumonisin-producing Fusarium spp. and to identify Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides in field-collected barley and corn samples. Primers and probes were designed from genes involved in mycotoxin biosynthesis (TRI6 and FUM1), and for a genus-specific internal positive control, primers and a probe were designed from Fusarium rDNA sequences. Real-time PCR conditions were optimized for amplification of the three products in a single reaction format. The specificity of the assay was confirmed by testing 9 Fusarium spp. and 33 non- Fusarium fungal species. With serial dilutions of purified genomic DNA from F. verticillioides, F. graminearum, or both as the template, the detection limit of the assay was 5 pg of genomic DNA per reaction. The three products were detectable over four orders of magnitude of template concentration (5 pg to 5 ng of genomic DNA per reaction); at 50 ng template per reaction, only the TRI6 and FUM1 PCR products were detected. Barley and corn samples were evaluated for the presence of Fusarium spp. with traditional microbiological methods and with the real-time PCR assay. The 20 barley samples and 1 corn sample that contained F. graminearum by traditional methods of analysis tested positive for the TRI6 and internal transcribedspacer (ITS) PCR products. The five corn samples that tested positive for F. verticillioides by traditional methods also were positive for the FUM1 and ITS PCR products. These results indicate that the described multiplex real-time PCR assay provides sensitive and accurate differential detection of fumonisin- and trichothecene-producing groups of Fusarium spp. in complex matrices.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a New Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Detecting Gastroenteritis-Causing Viruses in Stool Samples

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jungwon Hyun ◽  
Dae-Hyun Ko ◽  
Su-Kyung Lee ◽  
Han-Sung Kim ◽  
Jae-Seok Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Stool Samples

scholarly journals Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay Targeting Eight Parasites Customized to the Korean Population: Potential Use for Detection in Diarrheal Stool Samples from Gastroenteritis Patients

PLoS ONE ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e0166957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Jeong Won ◽  
Soo Hyun Kim ◽  
Seung Jung Kee ◽  
Jong Hee Shin ◽  
Soon Pal Suh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Korean Population ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Population Potential ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Potential Use

Parasitological versus molecular diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in serial stool samples: how many?

2017 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Dacal ◽  
J.M. Saugar ◽  
T. Soler ◽  
J.M. Azcárate ◽  
M.S. Jiménez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Maximum Sensitivity ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Molecular Technique ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Stool Samples

AbstractStrongyloidiasis is usually an asymptomatic disease in immunocompetent patients, caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. However, in immunocompromised patients it can produce a severe clinical profile. Therefore, a correct diagnosis is necessary in these cases and in those chronic asymptomatic patients. The low sensitivity of classical parasitological techniques requires the analysis of multiple serial stool samples. Molecular diagnostic techniques represent an improvement in the detection of the parasite. The objective of this study was to evaluate the minimum number of samples necessary to achieve maximum sensitivity by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 116 stool samples from 39 patients were analysed by direct microscopic observation, agar culture, Harada–Mori and real-time PCR, in one, two, three and four or more consecutive samples. After two serial samples, 6 out of 39 patients were positive by parasitological and molecular techniques, while 16 of them were real-time PCR positive, and all the patients detected by parasitology were also detected by the molecular technique, reaching 100.00% sensitivity versus 83.00% when analysing a single sample. These data also reflect apparently low specificity (51.52%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (27.27 %) values, due to the high number of cases detected by real-time PCR and not by parasitological techniques. These cases were confirmed as true positives when analysing three, four or more samples from the same patient. In conclusion, the application of molecular techniques decreases the number of serial stool samples necessary to give a diagnosis with the maximum sensitivity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document