Diagnosis of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, causal agent of citrus canker, in commercial fruits by isolation and PCR-based methods

AIMS: To show the results of the detection of an EU quarantine organism, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac), in citrus fruits imported from countries where this bacterium is present, using an integrated approach that includes isolation, pathogenicity assays and molecular techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: Citrus fruits with canker-like symptoms, exported to Spain from South American countries were analysed by several methods. Bacterial isolation, three conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols, and real-time PCR with SYBR Green or a TaqMan probe, were compared. Canker-like lesions were disrupted in PBS buffer, and the extract used for bacterial isolation and DNA extraction followed by PCR amplification. Canker lesions, identified by PCR, showed viable bacteria in eleven of fifteen fruit samples. In 16 out of 130 lesions analysed from these samples, Xac was isolated, and pathogenicity on grapefruit leaves confirmed. By real-time PCR, using SYBR green or a Taqman probe, Xac was detected in 58 and 80 lesions respectively. By conventional PCR the bacterium was detected in 39-52 lesions depending on the protocol employed. CONCLUSIONS: An integrated approach for reliable detection of Xac in lesions of fruit samples, employing several techniques and with real-time PCR using a TaqMan probe as the fastest and most sensitive screening method, has been established and validated and is proposed as a useful tool for the analysis of Xac on fresh fruits. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work faces up to the real threat of the importation of citrus fruits that can harbour quarantine bacteria and will be useful in diagnostic laboratories for the analysis of commercial fresh fruits from countries where citrus canker is present.     

Real-time quantitative PCR detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and differentiation from other mycobacteria using SYBR Green and TaqMan assays

Sensitive real-time sequence detection methods based on two different chemistries were developed for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), the causative agent of Johne's disease in cattle. One is based on the detection of SYBR Green bound to PCR products and the second method is more specific, detecting the cleavage of a fluorogenic (TaqMan) probe bound to a target sequence during primer extension phase. Novel primers and probes that amplify small fragments (<80 bp) of the Map specific insertion sequence, IS900 were designed. Both the SYBR Green and TaqMan assays are sensitive, able to detect 4 fg of DNA extracted from Map strain ATCC19698. This amount of DNA corresponds to the detection of 0.8 cells. Map cells were quantified directly from 7H9 broth using the SYBR Green assay and compared to dilutions of DNA extracted from an equivalent number of cells. The SYBR Green assay of 7H9 broth resulted in a minimum detectable limit of 0.07 cells (equivalent to 0.34 fg of DNA). Media ingredients were not observed to interfere with the assay. Since no extraction step was necessary in the direct cell measurements, direct detection was ten-fold more sensitive than detection of extracted DNA. Both SYBR Green and TaqMan assays are highly specific for the detection of Map. They did not detect any closely related members of the avium complex, other species of mycobacteria, or related genera that are likely to be present in environmental samples. No reporter signal was detected during TaqMan assays performed with 100 pg of template DNA from the non-Map organisms.     

Diagnostic real-time PCR assays for the detection of emetic Bacillus cereus strains in foods and recent food-borne outbreaks

Cereulide-producing Bacillus cereus can cause an emetic type of food-borne disease that mimics the symptoms provoked by Staphylococcus aureus. Based on the recently discovered genetic background for cereulide formation, a novel 5' nuclease (TaqMan) real-time PCR assay was developed to provide a rapid and sensitive method for the specific detection of emetic B. cereus in food. The TaqMan assay includes an internal amplification control and primers and a probe designed to target a highly specific part of the cereulide synthetase genes. Additionally, a specific SYBR green I assay was developed and extended to create a duplex SYBR green I assay for the one-step identification and discrimination of the two emesis-causing food pathogens B. cereus and S. aureus. The inclusivity and exclusivity of the assay were assessed using a panel of 100 strains, including 23 emetic B. cereus and 14 S. aureus strains. Different methods for DNA isolation from artificially contaminated foods were evaluated, and established real-time assays were used to analyze two recent emetic food poisonings in southern Germany. One of the food-borne outbreaks included 17 children visiting a day care center who vomited after consuming a reheated rice dish, collapsed, and were hospitalized; the other case concerned a single food-poisoning incident occurring after consumption of cauliflower. Within 2 h, the etiological agent of these food poisonings was identified as emetic B. cereus by using the real-time PCR assay.     

不同DNA抽提方法对普通PCR和实时荧光定量PCR方法检测家蚕微孢子虫的影响

为了优选快速、 灵敏、 特异的家蚕微孢子虫Nosema bombycis分子检测方法和DNA抽提方法, 本文通过对家蚕微孢子虫TaqMan探针荧光定量PCR检测方法和SYBR Green荧光定量PCR检测方法的建立以及反应体系优化, 并与普通PCR方法进行比较; 再采用4种不同DNA抽提方法分别对PCR和实时荧光定量PCR方法检测家蚕微孢子虫悬浮液的效果评价。结果显示: 不经过DNA抽提, 直接将家蚕微孢子虫发芽液进行PCR反应的效果优于其他方法, 检测灵敏度由高到低依次为直接法、 酚/氯仿抽提法、 动物组织DNA试剂盒抽提法和植物组织DNA试剂盒抽提法; TaqMan探针法检测家蚕微孢子虫发芽液的灵敏度和SYBR Green法相近, 达到微孢子10²个/mL, 两者均优于普通PCR方法。实验表明, 直接采用发芽液结合荧光定量PCR方法检测家蚕微孢子虫最为简便、 快速、 灵敏。该研究结果将有助于提高家蚕微粒子病监控技术和检疫能力, 对家蚕微粒子病的检疫和防治具有积极意义。     

Novel cost-efficient real-time PCR assays for detection and quantitation of Listeria monocytogenes

Listeriosis is a serious food-borne infection with mortality rates approaching 30%. Therefore, the rapid, cost-effective, and automated detection of Listeria monocytogenes throughout the food chain continues to be a major concern. Here we describe three novel quantitative real-time PCR assays for L. monocytogenes based on amplification of a target hlyA gene with SYBR Green I chemistry and hydrolysis probe (TaqMan MGB probe). In order to offer sensitive, rapid and robust tool of additional economical value the real-time PCR assays were designed and optimized to only 5 μl-reactions. All assays were evaluated by using different non-reference Listeria strains isolated from various food matrices. Results demonstrated specificity to L. monocytogenes with accurate quantification over a dynamic range of 5-6 log units with R² higher than 0.98 and amplification efficiencies reaching above 92%. The detection and quantification limits were as low as 165 genome equivalents. Comparison of novel assays to commercially available TaqMan® Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit and previously published studies revealed similar specificity, sensitivity and efficiency, but greater robustness and especially cost-efficiency in the view of smaller reaction volumes and continuous increase in sample throughput.     

Diagnostic Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of Emetic Bacillus cereus Strains in Foods and Recent Food-Borne Outbreaks

Cereulide-producing Bacillus cereus can cause an emetic type of food-borne disease that mimics the symptoms provoked by Staphylococcus aureus. Based on the recently discovered genetic background for cereulide formation, a novel 5′ nuclease (TaqMan) real-time PCR assay was developed to provide a rapid and sensitive method for the specific detection of emetic B. cereus in food. The TaqMan assay includes an internal amplification control and primers and a probe designed to target a highly specific part of the cereulide synthetase genes. Additionally, a specific SYBR green I assay was developed and extended to create a duplex SYBR green I assay for the one-step identification and discrimination of the two emesis-causing food pathogens B. cereus and S. aureus. The inclusivity and exclusivity of the assay were assessed using a panel of 100 strains, including 23 emetic B. cereus and 14 S. aureus strains. Different methods for DNA isolation from artificially contaminated foods were evaluated, and established real-time assays were used to analyze two recent emetic food poisonings in southern Germany. One of the food-borne outbreaks included 17 children visiting a day care center who vomited after consuming a reheated rice dish, collapsed, and were hospitalized; the other case concerned a single food-poisoning incident occurring after consumption of cauliflower. Within 2 h, the etiological agent of these food poisonings was identified as emetic B. cereus by using the real-time PCR assay.     

肠出血性大肠杆菌(O157：H7)的特异性荧光探针检测方法的建立

目的:建立一种real-time PCR,快速准确检测肠出血性大肠杆菌O157:H7。方法:以肠出血性大肠杆菌0157:H7 rfbE为待检靶基因,设计一对引物和一条Taqman探针,探针5’端用FAM基团标记,3’端用TAMRA标记。通过重组质粒的构建,建立并优化了大肠杆菌0157:H7的荧光定量PCR检测方法。结果:在人工污染样本无需富集的情况下,检测的最低DNA浓度是10拷贝/反应(3CFU/mL);特异性检测实验中,0157菌株检测结果均为rfbE阳性,而非0157:H7菌株检测结果均为阴性;重复性实验中,批内、批间变异系数均小于3%。结论:实验结果显示此荧光定量PCR方法特异性、灵敏度高,重复性好,可对分离的可疑大肠杆菌0157:H7菌株进行快速鉴定。     

Quantitative real-time PCR assay for rapid detection of plant and human pathogenic Macrophomina phaseolina from field and environmental samples

A real-time qPCR assay was developed to detect and quantify Macrophomina phaseolina abundance in rhizosphere soil and plant tissue. Both TaqMan and SYBR green techniques were targeted on ~ 1 kb sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) of M. phaseolina and two sets of specific primers were designed for SYBR green (MpSyK) and TaqMan (MpTqK) assays. No cross-hybridization and no fluorescent signal exceeding the baseline threshold was observed in TaqMan and SYBR green assays, respectively. The minimum detection limit or sensitivity of TaqMan assay was 30 fg/μL of M. phaseolina DNA and limit of quantification of M. phaseolina viable population was estimated as 0.66 × 10(5) CFU/g soil(-1) equivalent to 10 pg/μL of target DNA. This is the first report which demonstrated real-time qPCR assays with greater specificity and sensitivity to detect M. phaseolina population in soil and plant materials.     

Quantitative PCR for glucose transporter and tristetraprolin family gene expression in cultured mouse adipocytes and macrophages

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) such as TaqMan and SYBR Green qPCR are widely used for gene expression analysis. The drawbacks of SYBR Green assay are that the dye binds to any double-stranded DNA which can generate false-positive signals and that the length of the amplicon affects the intensity of the amplification. Previous results demonstrate that TaqMan assay is more sensitive but generates lower calculated expression levels than SYBR Green assay in quantifying seven mRNAs in tung tree tissues. The objective of this study is to expand the analysis using animal cells. We compared both qPCR assays for quantifying 24 mRNAs including those coding for glucose transporter (Glut) and mRNA-binding protein tristetraprolin (TTP) in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. The results showed that SYBR Green and TaqMan qPCR were reliable for quantitative gene expression in animal cells. This result was supported by validation analysis of Glut and TTP family gene expression. However, SYBR Green qPCR overestimated the expression levels in most of the genes tested. Finally, both qPCR instruments (Bio-Rad’s CFX96 real-time system and Applied Biosystems’ Prism 7700 real-time PCR instrument) generated similar gene expression profiles in the mouse cells. These results support the conclusion that both qPCR assays (TaqMan and SYBR Green qPCR) and both qPCR instruments (Bio-Rad’s CFX96 real-time system and Applied Biosystems’ Prism 7700 real-time PCR instrument) are reliable for quantitative gene expression analyses in animal cells but SYBR Green qPCR generally overestimates gene expression levels than TaqMan qPCR.     

Use of both 16S rRNA and engineered functional genes with real-time PCR to quantify an engineered,PCB-degrading Rhodococcus in soil

A real-time PCR (RTm-PCR) assay using fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides (TaqMan probes) was used to detect and quantify the recombinant Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1(fcb) in soil. One primer and probe set targeted a hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene unique to strain RHA1(fcb) and its phylogenetic relatives, and the other set targeted the recombinant 4-chlorobenzoate (4-CBA) degradation operon (fcb) and was strain-specific. The method had a 6-log dynamic range of detection (10(2)-10(7) cells ml(-1)) for both probes when DNA from pure cultures was used. Although the method was less sensitive in soil, the estimated number of cells in soil by real-time PCR corresponded to the measured number of RHA1(fcb) cells determined by colony-forming units.     

Locked nucleic acids for optimizing displacement probes for quantitative real-time PCR

Displacement probes have recently been described as a novel probe-based detection system for use in both quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping analysis. Previous reports have shown that shorter probes (23 mer) had improved detection sensitivity relative to longer probes (29 mer), with the likely reason for this effect being the improved hybridization kinetics of shorter probes. Sterically modified locked nucleic acids (LNAs) have been used to improve the design of a range of real-time PCR probes by raising the melting temperature (Tm) of the probe and enabling shorter probe designs to be considered. A displacement probe for gapdh was designed and tested successfully, and this probe was then redesigned with LNAs to an 11 mer probe. This probe showed increased detection sensitivity compared with the original 26 mer probe. To detect the widest range of displacement probe designs at maximum sensitivity, we have also developed a novel fluorescence capture two-step PCR protocol. This method produces enhanced probe quenching with a single standardized protocol ideal for high-throughput applications. The displacement probes tested produced sensitive and efficient quantitative analyses of template serial dilutions when compared with a range of commercially available predesigned real-time PCR detection systems, including TaqMan MGB probes, QuantiTect MGB probes, and LUX primers.     

Development of quantitative real-time PCR assays for detection and quantification of surrogate biological warfare agents in building debris and leachate

Evaluation of the fate and transport of biological warfare (BW) agents in landfills requires the development of specific and sensitive detection assays. The objective of the current study was to develop and validate SYBR green quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) assays for the specific detection and quantification of surrogate BW agents in synthetic building debris (SBD) and leachate. Bacillus atrophaeus (vegetative cells and spores) and Serratia marcescens were used as surrogates for Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and Yersinia pestis (plague), respectively. The targets for SYBR green Q-PCR assays were the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region and recA gene for B. atrophaeus and the gyrB, wzm, and recA genes for S. marcescens. All assays showed high specificity when tested against 5 ng of closely related Bacillus and Serratia nontarget DNA from 21 organisms. Several spore lysis methods that include a combination of one or more of freeze-thaw cycles, chemical lysis, hot detergent treatment, bead beat homogenization, and sonication were evaluated. All methods tested showed similar threshold cycle values. The limit of detection of the developed Q-PCR assays was determined using DNA extracted from a pure bacterial culture and DNA extracted from sterile water, leachate, and SBD samples spiked with increasing quantities of surrogates. The limit of detection for B. atrophaeus genomic DNA using the ITS and B. atrophaeus recA Q-PCR assays was 7.5 fg per PCR. The limits of detection of S. marcescens genomic DNA using the gyrB, wzm, and S. marcescens recA Q-PCR assays were 7.5 fg, 75 fg, and 7.5 fg per PCR, respectively. Quantification of B. atrophaeus vegetative cells and spores was linear (R(2) > 0.98) over a 7-log-unit dynamic range down to 10(1) B. atrophaeus cells or spores. Quantification of S. marcescens (R(2) > 0.98) was linear over a 6-log-unit dynamic range down to 10(2) S. marcescens cells. The developed Q-PCR assays are highly specific and sensitive and can be used for monitoring the fate and transport of the BW surrogates B. atrophaeus and S. marcescens in building debris and leachate.     

Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assays for Detection of Human Adenoviruses and Identification of Serotypes 40 and 41

A quantitative real-time TaqMan PCR assay for detection of human adenoviruses (HAdV) was developed using broadly reactive consensus primers and a TaqMan probe targeting a conserved region of the hexon gene. The TaqMan assay correctly identified 56 representative adenovirus prototype strains and field isolates from all six adenovirus species (A to F). Based on infectious units, the TaqMan assay was able to detect as few as 0.4 and 0.004 infectious units of adenovirus serotype 2 (AdV2) and AdV41, respectively, with results obtained in less than 90 min. Using genomic equivalents, the broadly reactive TaqMan assay was able to detect 5 copies of AdV40 (which had zero mismatches with the PCR primers and probe), 8 copies of AdV41, and 350 copies of AdV3 (which had the most mismatches [seven] of any adenovirus serotype tested). For specific detection and identification of F species serotypes AdV40 and AdV41, a second real-time PCR assay was developed using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes that target the adenovirus fiber gene. The FRET-based assay had a detection limit of 3 to 5 copies of AdV40 and AdV41 standard DNA and was able to distinguish between AdV40 and AdV41 based on melting curve analysis. Both the TaqMan and FRET PCR assays were quantitative over a wide range of virus titers. Application of these assays for detection of adenoviruses and type-specific identification of AdV40 and AdV41 will be useful for identifying these viruses in environmental and clinical samples.     

Quantitative real-time PCR assays for detection of human adenoviruses and identification of serotypes 40 and 41

A quantitative real-time TaqMan PCR assay for detection of human adenoviruses (HAdV) was developed using broadly reactive consensus primers and a TaqMan probe targeting a conserved region of the hexon gene. The TaqMan assay correctly identified 56 representative adenovirus prototype strains and field isolates from all six adenovirus species (A to F). Based on infectious units, the TaqMan assay was able to detect as few as 0.4 and 0.004 infectious units of adenovirus serotype 2 (AdV2) and AdV41, respectively, with results obtained in less than 90 min. Using genomic equivalents, the broadly reactive TaqMan assay was able to detect 5 copies of AdV40 (which had zero mismatches with the PCR primers and probe), 8 copies of AdV41, and 350 copies of AdV3 (which had the most mismatches [seven] of any adenovirus serotype tested). For specific detection and identification of F species serotypes AdV40 and AdV41, a second real-time PCR assay was developed using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes that target the adenovirus fiber gene. The FRET-based assay had a detection limit of 3 to 5 copies of AdV40 and AdV41 standard DNA and was able to distinguish between AdV40 and AdV41 based on melting curve analysis. Both the TaqMan and FRET PCR assays were quantitative over a wide range of virus titers. Application of these assays for detection of adenoviruses and type-specific identification of AdV40 and AdV41 will be useful for identifying these viruses in environmental and clinical samples.     

Specific detection of Aspergillus carbonarius by SYBR® Green and TaqMan® quantitative PCR assays based on the multicopy ITS2 region of the rRNA gene

Agroproducts contaminated by ochratoxin A (OTA) represent a risk for human and animal health and, therefore, maximum limits have been established by Food Safety Authorities. Reduction of OTA contamination may be accomplished by early detection of OTA-producing fungal species using rapid, specific and sensitive detection and quantification by PCR-based methods. Aspergillus carbonarius is one of the most important OTA-producing species, in particular in grapes and derivatives from Mediterranean regions. In this work, highly efficient quantitative PCR assays using SYBR Green I and TaqMan methods were developed for specific detection of A. carbonarius to be used in grapes. The primers and the TaqMan probe were based on the internal transcribed region 2 multicopy region (internal 2 sequence of the rRNA gene). The specificity and sensitivity of both assays were tested on genomic DNA mixtures of several A. carbonarius strains and other fungal species frequently present in grapes. Both methods were also compared using grapes inoculated with different spore concentrations of A. carbonarius , detecting up to 0.4 pg DNA g⁻¹ grape berries. The efficiency and sensitivity of both methods were comparable and only the lower cost of SYBR Green might favour its use in routine screenings.     

Comparison of the SYBR Green and the hybridization probe format for real-time PCR detection of HHV-6

A comparative study was conducted of a novel real-time quantitative PCR test (LightCycler System) with FastStart DNA Master(PLUS) SYBR Green I dye to detect DNA of human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6). Results were compared with those of a real-time quantitative PCR with hybridization probe (HP) formats using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer method, and with those of a single qualitative PCR test. The detection limit of the test with SYBR Green I dye was 20 copies of the virus, similar to that of the other two tests. The reproducibility was satisfactory. The new test has the same advantages as real-time PCR with HP formats and offers a greater versatility at lower cost.