Molecular method for discrimination between Francisella tularensis and Francisella-like endosymbionts.
Environmental studies on the distribution of Francisella spp. are hampered by the frequency of Francisella-like endosymbionts that can produce a misleading positive result. A new, efficient molecular method for detection of Francisella tularensis and its discrimination from Francisella-like endosymbionts, as well as two variants associated with human disease (unusual F. tularensis strain FnSp1 and F. tularensis subsp. novicida-like strain 3523), is described. The method is highly specific and sensitive, detecting up to one plasmid copy or 10 genome equivalents.
Escudero
Raquel
R
Laboratorio de Espiroquetas y Patógenos Especiales, Servicio de Bacteriología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
Toledo
A
A
Gil
Horacio
H
Kovácsová
Katarina
K
Rodríguez-Vargas
Manuela
M
Jado
Isabel
I
García-Amil
Cristina
C
Lobo
Bruno
B
Bhide
Mangesh
M
Anda
Pedro
P
D015342:DNA Probes / Q000235:genetics; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D005603:Francisella / Q000235:genetics*; D005604:Francisella tularensis / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D014406:Tularemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology
D015342:DNA Probes; D004269:DNA, Bacterial