title: Dry-reagent-based PCR as a novel tool for the rapid detection of Clostridium spp.
abstract: Improved conventional PCR techniques are required for the rapid on-site detection of human and animal diseases. In this context, a PCR method using dry-stored reagents intended for the detection of Clostridium spp. is presented. Basic PCR reagents (BSA, PCR buffer, MgCl₂ and primers), which were dried on polyolefin matrices, showed stability at ambient temperatures for up to 10 months without any loss of functionality. An outstanding advantage of our amelioration is the elimination of PCR process errors caused by the improper storage and handling of liquid reagents. Moreover, our PCR-based amplification can be performed in less than 30 min, saving time compared with conventional detection methods. Thus, dry-reagent-based PCR is implementable in a suitcase-like modular device for the rapid on-site detection of microbial pathogens such as blackleg of ruminants caused by Clostridium chauvoei.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany.|Institute of Photonic Technology Jena, Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Seise
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany.|Institute of Photonic Technology Jena, Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Sibyll
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pollok
authors.affiliation: Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut), Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Seyboldt
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany.|Institute of Photonic Technology Jena, Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003013:Clostridium / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003890:Desiccation; D006801:Humans; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors