Potential limitations of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic region for molecular detection of Bartonella species.

ABSTRACT: PCR targeting the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region has been proposed as a rapid and reliable method for the detection of Bartonella species DNA in clinical samples. Because of variation in ITS sequences among Bartonella species, a single PCR amplification can be used to detect different species within this genus. Therefore, by targeting the ITS region, multiple PCRs or additional sample-processing steps beyond the primary amplification can be avoided when attempting to achieve molecular diagnostic detection of Bartonella species. Although PCR amplification targeting this region is considered highly sensitive, amplification specificity obviously depends on primer design. We report evidence of nonspecific PCR amplification of Mesorhizobium species with previously

SUBMITTER: Maggi RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1081238 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature