Identification of Francisella tularensis using real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction.
A Francisella tularensis-specific, TaqMan probe-based, real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay required approximately 60 minutes and consistently achieved a sensitivity of < or = 10 fg of F. tularensis genomic DNA (five genome equivalents). Specificity testing against a genomic DNA cross-reaction panel comprised of 22 bacterial organisms representing closely related species, diverse genera, and human genomic DNA resulted in no false positives of significance. The assay was conducted on a field-deployable thermocycler, the R.A.P.I.D. ("Ruggedized" Advanced Pathogen Identification Device), a microbial identification system that can provide rapid and accurate identification F. tularensis.
McAvin
James C
JC
Molecular Epidemiology, Air Force Institute for Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Risk Analysis, 2730 Louis Bauer Drive, Building 930, Brooks Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX 78235-5237, USA.
Morton
Marlana M
MM
Roudabush
Robert M
RM
Atchley
Daniel H
DH
Hickman
John R
JR
D000818:Animals; D005604:Francisella tularensis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000379:methods; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity