A multiplex PCR for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Bordetella pertussis in clinical specimens.
A multiplex PCR was developed that is capable of detecting four of the most important bacterial agents of atypical pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Bordetella pertussis in uncultured patient specimens. These organisms cause similar symptomologies and are often not diagnosed because they are difficult to identify with classical methods such as culture and serology. Given this, the overall impact of these pathogens on public health may be grossly underestimated. The molecular test presented here provides a simple method for identification of four common, yet diagnostically challenging, pathogens.
McDonough
Erin A
EA
Department of Defense Center for Deployment Health Research, Naval Health Research Center, P.O. Box 85122, San Diego, CA 92186-5122, USA.
Barrozo
Christopher P
CP
Russell
Kevin L
KL
Metzgar
David
D
D001886:Bordetella pertussis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002648:Child; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D016952:Legionella pneumophila / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009177:Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods