Evaluation of amplification targets for the specific detection of Bordetella pertussis using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bordetella pertussis infections continue to be a major public health challenge in Canada. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect B pertussis are typically based on the multicopy insertion sequence IS481, which offers high sensitivity but lacks species specificity.

Methods

A novel B pertussis real-time PCR assay based on the porin gene was tested in parallel with several previously published assays that target genes such as IS481, ptx-promoter, pertactin and a putative thialase. The assays were evaluated using a reference panel of common respiratory bacteria including different Bordetella species and 107 clinical nasopharyngeal specimens. Discrepant results were confirmed by sequencing the PCR products.

Results

Analytical sensitivity was highest fo

SUBMITTER: Hasan MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4173943 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature