Development of a real-time PCR assay for detection of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale for routine clinical diagnosis.

ABSTRACT: A TaqMan-based real-time PCR qualitative assay for the detection of three species of malaria parasites-Plasmodium falciparum, P. ovale, and P. vivax-was devised and evaluated using 122 whole-blood samples from patients who had traveled to areas where malaria is endemic and who presented with malaria-like symptoms and fever. The assay was compared to conventional microscopy and to an established nested-PCR assay. The specificity of the new assay was confirmed by sequencing the PCR products from all the positive samples and by the lack of cross-reactivity with Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum DNA. Real-time PCR assay showed a detection limit (analytical sensitivity) of 0.7, 4, and 1.5 parasites/ micro l for P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. ovale, respectively. Real-time PCR, like nes

SUBMITTER: Perandin F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC356834 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature