A quantitative PCR (TaqMan) assay for pathogenic Leptospira spp

Lee D Smythe; I L Smith; G A Smith; M F Dohnt; M L Symonds; L J Barnett; David B McKay

doi:10.1186/1471-2334-2-13

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A quantitative PCR (TaqMan) assay for pathogenic Leptospira spp

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

A quantitative PCR (TaqMan) assay for pathogenic Leptospira spp

Lee D Smythe, I L Smith, G A Smith, M F Dohnt, M L Symonds, L J Barnett and David B McKay

BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol.2, 13

2002

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-2-13

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Abstract

Leptospirosis

TaqMan

real-time PCR

diagnosis

Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease. There are over 230 known serovars in the genus Leptospira. Confirmatory serological diagnosis of leptospirosis is usually made using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) which relies on the use of live cultures as the source of antigen, often performed using a panel of antigens representative of local serovars. Other techniques, such as the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and slide agglutination test (SAT), can detect different classes of antibody but may be subject to false positive reactions and require confirmation of these results by the MAT. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used to detect a large number of microorganisms, including those of clinical significance. The sensitivity of PCR often precludes the need for isolation and culture, thus making it ideal for the rapid detection of organisms involved in acute infections. We employed real-time (quantitative) PCR using TaqMan chemistry to detect leptospires in clinical and environmental samples. The PCR assay can be applied to either blood or urine samples and does not rely on the isolation and culture of the organism. Capability exists for automation and high throughput testing in a clinical laboratory. It is specific for Leptospira and may discriminate pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. The limit of detection is as low as two cells.

Details

Title: A quantitative PCR (TaqMan) assay for pathogenic Leptospira spp
Authors: Lee D Smythe (Author) - Queensland Health Scientific Services
I L Smith (Author) - Queensland Health Scientific Services
G A Smith (Author) - Queensland Health Scientific Services
M F Dohnt (Author) - Queensland Health Scientific Services
M L Symonds (Author) - Queensland Health Scientific Services
L J Barnett (Author) - Queensland Health Scientific Services
David B McKay (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Publication details: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol.2, 13; 7
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.
Date published: 2002
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-2-13
ISSN: 1471-2334
Copyright note: Copyright © 2002 Smythe et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article: verbatim copying and redistribution of this article are permitted in all media for any purpose, provided this notice is preserved along with the article's original URL.
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448806902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Infectious Diseases

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