A specific real-time PCR assay for the detection of Bordetella pertussis.
A novel real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay was developed for detection of Bordetella pertussis in respiratory specimens by targeting the pertactin gene. In vitro evaluation with reference strains and quality control samples showed analytical sensitivity equivalent to and specificity superior to those of PCR assays which target the IS481 element. The pertactin-based RT-PCR assay offers better discrimination between B. pertussis and other Bordetella species than previously described assays.
Vincart
Benoit
B
Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
De Mendonça
Ricardo
R
Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Rottiers
Sylvianne
S
Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Vermeulen
Françoise
F
Department of Paediatrics, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Struelens
Marc J
MJ
Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Denis
Olivier
O
Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D001886:Bordetella pertussis / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017931:DNA Primers; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013045:Species Specificity; D010566:Virulence Factors, Bordetella / Q000235:genetics*; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology
D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins; D017931:DNA Primers; D010566:Virulence Factors, Bordetella; C068929:pertactin