Detection of Dientamoeba fragilis in fresh stool specimens using PCR.
Dientamoeba fragilis is a trichomonad parasite that causes human gastrointestinal disease. Currently microscopy is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosis of D. fragilis infection. However, this method is time-consuming and relatively insensitive. A PCR assay based on the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene of D. fragilis for the specific detection of D. fragilis DNA in fresh unpreserved stool samples was developed. The D. fragilis PCR was positive in 29/31 samples with positive microscopy and did not cross-react with other protozoan parasites. The PCR protocol showed a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 93.5% and the entire procedure can be performed in one day.
Stark
D
D
Department of Microbiology, St Vincent's Hospital, NSW, Darlinghurst 2010, Sydney, Australia. dstark@stvincents.com.au
Beebe
N
N
Marriott
D
D
Ellis
J
J
Harkness
J
J
D000818:Animals; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000469:parasitology; D004029:Dientamoeba / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004030:Dientamoebiasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D017125:Genes, Protozoan; D020459:Genes, rRNA; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D016054:DNA, Protozoan