title: A specific real-time PCR assay for the detection of Bordetella pertussis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Benoit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vincart
authors.affiliation: Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Mendonça
authors.affiliation: Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sylvianne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rottiers
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Françoise
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vermeulen
authors.affiliation: Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marc J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Struelens
authors.affiliation: Center for Molecular Diagnosis, Department of Microbiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Denis
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins; D017931:DNA Primers; D010566:Virulence Factors, Bordetella; C068929:pertactin