scholarly journals DNA recovery from archived RDTs for genetic characterization of Plasmodium falciparum in a routine setting in Lambaréné, Gabon

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
The Trong Nguyen ◽  
Brice Nzigou Mombo ◽  
Albert Lalremruata ◽  
Erik Koehne ◽  
Rella Zoleko Manego ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been described as a source of genetic material to analyse malaria parasites in proof-of-concept studies. The increasing use of RDTs (e.g., in focal or mass screening and treatment campaigns) makes this approach particularly attractive for large-scale investigations of parasite populations. In this study, the complexity of Plasmodium falciparum infections, parasite load and chloroquine resistance transporter gene mutations were investigated in DNA samples extracted from positive RDTs, obtained in a routine setting and archived at ambient temperature. Methods A total of 669 archived RDTs collected from malaria cases in urban, semi-urban and rural areas of central Gabon were used for P. falciparum DNA extraction. Performance of RDTs as a source of DNA for PCR was determined using: (i) amplification of a single copy merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) gene followed by highly sensitive and automated capillary electrophoresis; (ii) genotyping of the pfcrt gene locus 72–76 using haplotype-specific-probe-based real-time PCR to characterize chloroquine resistance; and, (iii) real-time PCR targeting 18S genes to detect and quantify Plasmodium parasites. Results Out of the 669 archived RDTs, amplification of P. falciparum nucleic materials had a success rate of 97% for 18S real-time PCR, and 88% for the msp1 gene. The multiplicity of infections (MOI) of the whole population was 2.6 (95% CI 2.5–2.8). The highest number of alleles detected in one infection was 11. The MOI decreased with increasing age (β = − 0.0046, p = 0.02) and residence in Lambaréné was associated with smaller MOIs (p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of mutations associated with chloroquine resistance was 78.5% and was not associated with age. In Lambaréné, prevalence of chloroquine resistance was lower compared to rural Moyen-Ogooué (β = − 0.809, p-value = 0.011). Conclusion RDT is a reliable source of DNA for P. falciparum detection and genotyping assays. Furthermore, the increasing use of RDTs allows them to be an alternative source of DNA for large-scale genetic epidemiological studies. Parasite populations in the study area are highly diverse and prevalence of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum remains high, especially in rural areas.

2004 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 2924-2929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisa P. Alker ◽  
Victor Mwapasa ◽  
Steven R. Meshnick

ABSTRACT The resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is an emerging public health threat. Resistance to these drugs is associated with point mutations in the genes encoding dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). We describe here an assay using real-time PCR and sequence-specific probes that detects these mutations. Using DNA from plasmids, cultured strains, and clinical samples, real-time PCR could distinguish four DHPS polymorphisms (codons 437, 540, 581, and 613) and three DHFR polymorphisms (codons 51, 59, and 108). This assay is rapid and sensitive, with a detection limit of 10 copies in most cases. This assay is amenable to large-scale studies of drug resistance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Salem Belkessa ◽  
Daniel Thomas-Lopez ◽  
Karim Houali ◽  
Farida Ghalmi ◽  
Christen Rune Stensvold

The molecular epidemiology of giardiasis in Africa remains unclear. A study was carried out across four hospitals in Algeria. A total of 119 fecal samples from 55 children, 37 adults, and 27 individuals of undetermined age, all scored positive for intestinal parasites by microscopy, and were screened by real-time PCR for Giardia. Molecular characterization of Giardia was performed by assemblage-specific PCR and PCR targeting the triose phosphate isomerase gene (tpi). Of the 119 samples, 80 (67%) were Giardia-positive by real-time PCR. For 48 moderately-highly real-time PCR-positive samples, tpi genotyping assigned 22 samples to Assemblage A and 26 to Assemblage B. Contrary to Assemblage A, Assemblage B exhibited substantial genetic diversity and allelic heterozygosity. Assemblage-specific PCR proved to be specific for discriminating Assemblage A or B but not as sensitive as tpi genotyping. We confirmed that real-time PCR is more sensitive than microscopy for detecting Giardia in stool samples and that robust amplification and sequencing of the tpi gene is feasible when moderate-to-strongly real-time PCR-positive samples are used. This study is one of the few performed in Africa providing genotyping data on Giardia infections in humans. Both assemblages A and B were commonly seen and not associated with specific sociodemographic data.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
zhenhua Guo ◽  
Kunpeng Li ◽  
Songlin Qiao ◽  
Xinxin Chen ◽  
Ruiguang Deng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: African swine fever (ASF) is the most important disease to the pigs and cause serious economic losses to the countries with large-scale swine production. Vaccines are recognized as the most useful tool to prevent and control ASF virus (ASFV) infection. Currently, the MGF505 and MGF360 gene-deleted ASFVs or combined with CD2v deletion were confirmed to be the most promising vaccine candidates. Thus, it is essential to develop a diagnosis method to discriminate wide-type strain from the vaccines used.Results: In this study, we established a duplex TaqMan real-time PCR based on the B646L gene and MGF505-2R gene. The sequence alignment showed that the targeted regions of primers and probes are highly conserved in the genotype II ASFVs. The duplex real-time assay can specifically detect B646L and MGF505-2R gene single or simultaneously without cross-reaction with other porcine viruses tested. The limit of detection was 5.8 copies and 3.0 copies for the standard plasmids containing B646L and MGF505-2R genes, respectively. Clinical samples were tested in parallel by duplex real-time PCR and a commercial ASFV detection kit. The detection results of these two assays against B646L gene were well consistent.Conclusion: We successfully developed and evaluated a duplex TaqMan real-time PCR method which can effectively distinguish the wide type and MGF505 gene-deleted ASFVs. It would be a useful tool for the clinical diagnosis and control of ASF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 293-298
Author(s):  
Mehmet Karabey ◽  
Hüseyin Can ◽  
Tülay Öncü Öner ◽  
Mert Döşkaya ◽  
Sedef Erkunt Alak ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium spp . is a protozoan parasite that infects many vertebrate animals, including humans. Since Cryptosporidium spp . can cause chronic life-threatening diarrhea and severe malabsorption in immunocompromised patients, we investigated the prevalence of this parasite among patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignant solid tumors. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp . in stool samples. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Tertiary care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Stool samples were collected from adult patients with malignant solid tumors receiving chemotherapy and diarrhea. Cryptosporidium spp . prevalence was determined using Ziehl–Neelsen staining, ELISA, and real-time PCR targeting of the COWP gene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp . in patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignant solid tumors. SAMPLE SIZE: 94 RESULTS: The prevalence was 2.1% (2/94), 5.3% (5/94), and 5.3% (5/94) as detected by Ziehl–Neelsen staining, real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. The prevalence reached 8.5% (8/94) using all results obtained from the three methods. Among eight positive stool samples, four were positive by at least two different methods (Ziehl–Neelsen staining-ELISA or ELISA-real-time PCR) whereas the remaining four were positive by either ELISA or real-time PCR. CONCLUSION: These findings show the risk of cryptosporidiosis in cancer patients and the necessity to use at least two diagnostic methods during the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis to reach more accurate and trustworthy results. LIMITATIONS: Further studies with a larger sample size are recommended. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.


2009 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 1136-1144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tigst Demeke ◽  
Indira Ratnayaka ◽  
Anh Phan

Abstract The quality of DNA affects the accuracy and repeatability of quantitative PCR results. Different DNA extraction and purification methods were compared for quantification of Roundup Ready (RR) soybean (event 40-3-2) by real-time PCR. DNA was extracted using cetylmethylammonium bromide (CTAB), DNeasy Plant Mini Kit, and Wizard Magnetic DNA purification system for food. CTAB-extracted DNA was also purified using the Zymo (DNA Clean & Concentrator 25 kit), Qtip 100 (Qiagen Genomic-Tip 100/G), and QIAEX II Gel Extraction Kit. The CTAB extraction method provided the largest amount of DNA, and the Zymo purification kit resulted in the highest percentage of DNA recovery. The Abs260/280 and Abs260/230 ratios were less than the expected values for some of the DNA extraction and purification methods used, indicating the presence of substances that could inhibit PCR reactions. Real-time quantitative PCR results were affected by the DNA extraction and purification methods used. Further purification or dilution of the CTAB DNA was required for successful quantification of RR soybean. Less variability of quantitative PCR results was observed among experiments and replications for DNA extracted and/or purified by CTAB, CTAB+Zymo, CTAB+Qtip 100, and DNeasy methods. Correct and repeatable results for real-time PCR quantification of RR soybean were achieved using CTAB DNA purified with Zymo and Qtip 100 methods.


Author(s):  
Daniela Loconsole ◽  
Francesca Centrone ◽  
Caterina Morcavallo ◽  
Silvia Campanella ◽  
Anna Sallustio ◽  
...  

A critical point in the management of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the need to promptly identify the greatest number of infected people and to implement strict public health measures. In this study, the performance of a rapid serological test in a clinical setting was evaluated. Samples from 819 consecutive patients (with or without respiratory symptoms) admitted to a large Emergency Department were tested between 23 March and 21 April 2020. Patient samples were tested in a real-time PCR assay and a serological assay. In total, 148/819 patients (18.1%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time PCR. The serological test revealed that 70/819 patients (8.5%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and/or IgG. The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was significantly higher in patients with respiratory symptoms lasting for >7 days than in those with respiratory symptoms lasting for 0–7 days (p < 0.001). The serological assay had an overall sensitivity of 35.1% and an overall specificity of 97.3%. A high negative predictive value (96.7%) was reported for patients without respiratory symptoms. The results confirm that rapid serological assays alone are not sufficient for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection but can be incorporated into large-scale screening programs during periods in which the virus circulation is low.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document