Development of a real-time probe-based PCR assay for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia.
This paper describes the development of a rapid probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia. To develop the PCR, primers and fluorescent resonance energy transfer probes were designed after sequencing products obtained using previously published primers. This gave results that were concordant with conventional cytological staining techniques, but were available within 2 h instead of greater than 24 h.
Strutt
Matthew
M
Health Protection Agency London, Guy's, Kings and St Thomas' School of Medicine, Kings College Hospital, London, UK. matthew.strutt@medway.nhs.uk
Smith
Melvyn
M
D015342:DNA Probes; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D045363:Pneumocystis carinii / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
D015342:DNA Probes; D004271:DNA, Fungal