Real-time quantitative PCR in parasitology.
Standard techniques for counting parasites are often time-consuming, difficult and inaccurate, and occasionally unpleasant. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction has recently been applied to parasitology, specifically Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Leishmania and Neospora. These techniques are truly quantitative, give results over a range of 6-7 orders of magnitude, are quick to perform and require no manipulations post-amplification. They can be used to count genome numbers and to study levels of gene expression. The advantages and limitations of existing thermocyclers and applicable detection systems are discussed here, and promising new developments are highlighted.
Bell
Andrew S
AS
Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK G12 8QQ. a.bell@bio.gla.ac.uk
Ranford-Cartwright
Lisa C
LC
D000818:Animals; D018509:DNA, Helminth / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D010271:Parasites / Q000235:genetics*; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D018509:DNA, Helminth; D016054:DNA, Protozoan