title: Development of touch down-multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is challenging since conventional methods like culture and immunofluorescence are not universally available. Serology, which is used regularly might be negative during early phase of infection and in immunosuppressed patients or may remain positive for a long time. Several molecular tests have been used for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, but none of them have an internal control which would inform us regarding the presence of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors thus, undermining the confidence of a laboratory physician.
  
  
  METHODS
  We designed a multiplex PCR containing primers targeting human beta globin gene which would act as internal control and two primers against the B1 gene and 5s gene which aid in sensitive detection of T. gondii.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiplex PCR had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 100%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multiplex PCR may provide a sensitive and specific tool for diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Hallur
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Sehgal
authors: Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Khurana
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D060885:Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D012015:Reference Standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055544:beta-Globins / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers; D055544:beta-Globins