Specific detection of fungal pathogens by 18S rRNA gene PCR in microbial keratitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The sensitivity and specificity of 18S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the detection of fungal aetiology of microbial keratitis was determined in thirty patients with clinical diagnosis of microbial keratitis.

Methods

Corneal scrapings from patients were used for Gram stain, culture and PCR analysis. PCR was performed with primer pairs targeted to the 18S rRNA gene. The result of the PCR was compared with conventional culture and Gram staining method. The PCR positive samples were identified by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene. Main outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity of PCR in the detection of fungus in corneal keratitis.

Results

Combination of microscopy and culture gave a positive resul

SUBMITTER: Embong Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2413208 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature