Diagnostic dilemma: application of real-time PCR assays for the detection of Dientamoeba fragilis in medical and veterinary specimens.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Real-time PCR (qPCR) diagnostics developed for use in human clinical settings have been implemented to identify new animal hosts of the gastrointestinal protozoan Dientamoeba fragilis. The gut microbiome varies between species; unrecognised cross-reactivity could occur when applying these assays to new animal hosts. The use of qPCR diagnostics was assessed for the identification of new animal hosts of the gastrointestinal protozoan Dientamoeba fragilis.

Methods

Forty-nine cattle, 84 dogs, 39 cats and 254 humans were screened for D. fragilis using two qPCR assays: EasyScreen (Genetic Signatures) and a laboratory-based assay commonly used in Europe. The reliability of the identifications made by these assays were assessed using melt curve analysis of qPCR products,

SUBMITTER: Hall LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11889766 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature