Polymerase chain reaction for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection yields higher sensitivity in blood clot than buffy coat or whole blood specimens.
Trypanosoma cruzi polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used, but sensitivity varies widely. We compared PCR using 121/122 primers targeting kinetoplast minicircle DNA in whole blood, buffy coat, and clot from Bolivian women. Sensitivity was significantly higher in clot (60.1%) than buffy coat (46.5%) or whole blood (40%). The use of clot could simplify specimen collection while improving sensitivity.
Fitzwater
Sean
S
Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Calderon
Maritza
M
Lafuente
Carlos
C
Galdos-Cardenas
Gerson
G
Ferrufino
Lisbeth
L
Verastegui
Manuela
M
Gilman
Robert H
RH
Bern
Caryn
C
D001483:Base Sequence; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017931:DNA Primers; D018105:DNA, Kinetoplast / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013927:Thrombosis
D017931:DNA Primers; D018105:DNA, Kinetoplast