Laboratory assessment of sensitive molecular tools for detection of low levels of Echinococcus multilocularis-eggs in fox (Vulpes vulpes) faeces.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In endemic areas with very low infection prevalence, the frequency and intensity of Echinococcus multilocularis can be extremely low. This necessitates efficient, specific and sensitive molecular tools. We wanted to compare the existing molecular tools, used in the Norwegian national surveillance programme, and compare these with new techniques for detection of this zoonotic pathogen in fox faeces. Here we present the results of screening samples containing a known level of E. multilocularis eggs with two highly sensitive DNA isolation and extraction methods combined with one conventional PCR and three real-time PCR methods for detection.

Methods

We performed a comparison of two extraction protocols; one based on sieving of faecal material and one using targeted D

SUBMITTER: Oines O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4060867 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature