title: A real-time PCR assay for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by LightCycler.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Virology Research Unit, Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital and Health Service District, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Whiley
authors.forename: Genevera M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: LeCornec
authors.forename: Ian M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Mackay
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Siebert
authors.forename: Theo P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Sloots
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes