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  • Title: Comparison between two real-time PCR assays and a nested-PCR for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii.
    Author: Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Gorrini C, Peruzzi S, Zerbini L, Bommezzadri S, Dettori G, Chezzi C.
    Journal: Acta Biomed; 2006 Aug; 77(2):75-80. PubMed ID: 17172185.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: In recent years, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis has been improved by Real-time PCR assays. In this study we compared the performances of two Real-time PCRs (FRET and TaqMan protocols) already described in the literature, and one nested-PCR, currently used in our laboratory for the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. METHODS: We evaluated the sensitivity and the specificity of a FRET- and a TaqMan-based Real-time PCRs targeting a 529 bp repeat region and the 18S RNA gene, respectively, and a nested-PCR, targeting the B1-gene of Toxoplasma gondii. We also tested, through nested-PCR, 46 biological samples obtained during a period of 29 months from pregnant women or immunocompromised patients with suspected T. gondii infection. RESULTS: The analytical sensitivity of nested and TaqMan PCRs was approximately 10(3) tachyzoites/ml. FRET assay showed a sensitivity of 102 tachyzoites/ml. Three out of 46 biological samples were nested-PCR-positive and these results were also confirmed by both Real-time PCRs. CONCLUSIONS: Nested- and real-time PCRs evaluated in this study resulted very sensitive and specific; in particular FRET PCR resulted more sensitive than the other assays, probably because of the greater copy number of the target sequence. Real-time PCR assays are easy-to-use, producing results faster than conventional PCR systems and reducing contamination risks.
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