A real-time PCR assay for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by LightCycler.
The detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is now recognized as a sensitive and specific method of diagnosing infection by the organism. In this Study 152 urine specimens were examined for N. gonorrhoeae by a real-time PCR method using the LightCycler platform and results were compared to an "in-house" PCR assay using an ELISA-based detection method. N. gonorrhoeae DNA was detected in 29 (19%) specimens by LightCycler PCR (LC-PCR) and in 31 (20%) specimens by the "in house" PCR method. The LightCycler assay proved to be specific and 94% sensitive when compared to the "in house" PCR method. These features combined with the rapid turn-around time for results makes the LC-PCR particularly suitable for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae in a routine clinical laboratory.
Whiley
David M
DM
Clinical Virology Research Unit, Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital and Health Service District, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
LeCornec
Genevera M
GM
Mackay
Ian M
IM
Siebert
David J
DJ
Sloots
Theo P
TP
D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000652:urine*; D004735:Energy Transfer; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes