Multiplex detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples using real-time PCR.
A multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed for the simultaneous detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi (n = 30) and Encephalitozoon spp. (n = 3) in stool samples. The multiplex PCR also included an internal control to detect inhibition of the amplification by fecal constituents in the sample. The assay was performed on species-specific DNA controls (n = 22) and a range of well-defined stool samples (n = 140), and it achieved 100% specificity and sensitivity. The use of this assay in a diagnostic laboratory offers the possibility of introducing DNA detection as a feasible technique in the routine diagnosis of intestinal microsporidian infections.
Verweij
Jaco J
JJ
Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. j.j.verweij@lumc.nl
Ten Hove
Robert
R
Brienen
Eric A T
EA
van Lieshout
Lisette
L
D000818:Animals; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016819:Encephalitozoon / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016890:Encephalitozoonosis / Q000469:parasitology; D021862:Enterocytozoon / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D016881:Microsporidiosis / Q000469:parasitology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D016054:DNA, Protozoan