Identification of Leishmania spp., Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii with Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Pilot Study for Limit Determination

Abstract The consumption of vegetables has increased in recent years due to the search for a healthier diet that is rich in fiber and has fewer calories. To assess the parasitic contamination of lettuce sold in markets, a survey of parasites was carried out from a supermarket chain in the city of Londrina, Paraná. A total of thirty samples of lettuce were purchased in the ten markets visited, three in each, of which ten were conventionally cultivated, ten were hydroponically cultivated, and ten were organically cultivated. All samples were analyzed using the sedimentation methods of Hoffman, Pons and Janer and the fluctuation method of Faust and colleagues and Willis with adaptations. In addition, the samples were subjected to DNA extraction by a commercial kit and polymerase chain reaction to detect Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., which are protozoa that cause food and waterborne parasitic outbreaks. All samples were negative for sedimentation and flotation techniques. One of the hydroponically cultivated samples was positive for T. gondii. The results demonstrate the risk of curly lettuce contamination from hydroponic cultivation and the need for proper cleaning of these foods before consumption.

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Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in sheep naturally infected and slaughtered in abattoirs in Pernambuco, Brazil

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2014000400005 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 329-331 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mauro J.G. Bezerra ◽

Jefferson A.L.O. Cruz ◽

Eugênio S. Kung ◽

José G. Silva ◽

André S. Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Genomic Dna ◽

Reproductive Organs ◽

Infected Sheep ◽

Fetal Membranes ◽

Immunofluorescence Technique ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Indirect Immunofluorescence Technique ◽

Polymerase Chain

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and to detect genomic DNA of the parasite in the reproductive organs, fetuses and fetal membranes of sheep in slaughterhouses in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The Indirect Immunofluorescence technique (IFA) was used for screening. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect DNA of T. gondii in the animals that were positive in the serology. In the serology, 13/50 samples were positive and genomic DNA of T. gondii was detected in one uterus, tube, ovary, placenta and fetus (heart, brain and umbilical cord) sample from a sheep that was positive in the serology. The present study provides evidence of the occurrence of T. gondii DNA in the organs of the reproductive system, placenta and fetus of a naturally infected sheep.

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Detection of Group A Streptococcus in the Saliva of Children Presenting With Pharyngitis Using the cobas Liat PCR System

Clinical Pediatrics ◽

10.1177/0009922820920936 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 59 (9-10) ◽

pp. 856-858

Author(s):

Gregory DeMuri ◽

Ellen R. Wald

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Group A Streptococcus ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Sampling Techniques ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Point Of Care Test ◽

Group A ◽

Increased Sensitivity ◽

Polymerase Chain

Rapid turnaround real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has recently become available as a point-of-care test for group A Streptococcus (GAS) in children presenting with pharyngitis. Our aim in this pilot study was to determine if GAS can be detected in the saliva of children with sore throat using swabs inoculated by children sucking on them as they would a lollipop. Twenty children with positive rapid antigen detection tests for GAS from pharyngeal swabs were enrolled. Pharyngeal and lollipop samples underwent PCR testing using the cobas Liat system. All 20 pharyngeal swabs were positive; 19 of 20 lollipop samples were positive. The increased sensitivity of the new PCR kits for GAS may permit use of less invasive and more comfortable sampling techniques for diagnosis.

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