title: Semi-quantitative digital analysis of polymerase chain reaction-electrophoresis gel: Potential applications in low-income veterinary laboratories.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The interpretation of conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay results is often limited to either positive or negative (non-detectable). The more robust quantitative PCR (qPCR) method is mostly reserved for quantitation studies and not a readily accessible technology in laboratories across developing nations. The aim of this study was to evaluate a semi-quantitative method for conventional PCR amplicons using digital image analysis of electrophoretic gel. The potential applications are also discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study describes standard conditions for the digital image analysis of PCR amplicons using the freely available ImageJ software and confirmed using the qPCR assay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comparison of ImageJ analysis of PCR-electrophoresis gel and qPCR methods showed similar trends in theFusobacterium necrophorumDNA concentration associated with healthy and periodontal disease infected wallabies (p≤0.03). Based on these empirical data, this study adds descriptive attributes ("more" or "less") to the interpretation of conventional PCR results. The potential applications in low-income veterinary laboratories are suggested, and guidelines for the adoption of the method are also highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University SA, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia; Department of Applied Biotechnology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Antiabong
authors.affiliation: Onderstepoort Biological Products, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa.
authors.forename: Mafora G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ngoepe
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Biotechnology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Adakole S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Abechi
keywords: ImageJ software; applications; digital image analysis; polymerase chain reaction amplicon; polymerase chain reaction-electrophoresis; quantitative polymerase chain reaction