Application of a real-time PCR method for detecting and monitoring hookworm Necator americanus infections in Southern China.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To develop a quantitative PCR method for detecting hookworm infection and quantification.

Methods

A real-time PCR method was designed based on the intergenic region II of ribosomal DNA of the hookworm Necator americanus. The detection limit of this method was compared with the microscopy-based Kato-Katz method. The real-time PCR method was used to conduct an epidemiological survey of hookworm infection in southern Fujian Province of China.

Results

The real-time PCR method was specific for detecting Necator americanus infection, and was more sensitive than conventional PCR or microscopy-based method. A preliminary survey for hookworm infection in villages of Fujian Province confirmed the high prevalence of hookworm infections in the resident populations. In a

SUBMITTER: Wang JX 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3621466 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature