Evaluation of PCR methods for 5S-rDNA and p30 genes to detect Toxoplasma gondii in blood and other clinical samples

During the last few years the direct diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection has taken advantage of PCR. The present work tested the sensitivity and specificity of PCR for rDNA and p30 genes. Using ascitic fluid from infected mice rDNA PCR detected 0.5 tachyzoite/ml, while nested p30 PCR 1 tachyzoi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe New microbiologica Vol. 24; no. 2; p. 171
Main Authors Cresti, S, Ciacci, C, Donati, E, Giordano, I, Tordini, G, Barberi, A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy 01.04.2001
Subjects
Amniotic Fluid - parasitology
Animals
Antigens, Protozoan
Blood - parasitology
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid - parasitology
DNA, Protozoan - analysis
DNA, Protozoan - genetics
DNA, Ribosomal - genetics
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Mice
Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods
Protozoan Proteins - genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 5S - genetics
Sensitivity and Specificity
Toxoplasma - genetics
Toxoplasma - isolation & purification
Urine - parasitology
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Summary:During the last few years the direct diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection has taken advantage of PCR. The present work tested the sensitivity and specificity of PCR for rDNA and p30 genes. Using ascitic fluid from infected mice rDNA PCR detected 0.5 tachyzoite/ml, while nested p30 PCR 1 tachyzoite/ml. The rDNA amplification was positive in all clinical samples from a single immuno compromised patient (blood, urine and bronchoalveolar fluid). In the same patient nested p30 PCR was positive only in urine and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The rDNA and p30 amplicons were never found in any amniotic fluids tested. These results could prove the usefulness of rDNA amplification to detect T. gondii in blood.
ISSN:1121-7138