Multiplex PCR assay for species identification of bovine mastitis pathogens

Aim: To develop and evaluate a multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay for simultaneous detection of 10 bacterial species causing bovine mastitis namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus simulans, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Escherichia coli in milk. Methods and Results: A two‐tube mPCR assay was developed. The accuracy of the mPCR was evaluated using 56 standard reference strains and 705 strains comprising of E. coli (n = 99), staphylococci (n = 522) and streptococci (n = 84). The threshold of detection of the mPCR assay was 10 fg of genomic DNA and <10³ CFU ml^?1. A comparative evaluation of mPCR with culture method using 115 milk samples from subclinical mastitis showed mPCR to be more efficacious. Subsequently, the mPCR showed successful detection of target bacteria, when applied directly for the assessment of 36 bulk milk samples. Conclusion: The developed mPCR assay was found to be simple, rapid, reliable and specific in species identification of 10 bacteria at a time. Significance and Impact of the Study: The assay will be useful for the detection of mastitis, testing bacteriological safety of milk and for species level differentiation. The assay will be of value in the dairy sector for diagnosis and research. The early and accurate identification of pathogens will enable timely interventions for the treatment and control of bovine mastitis.     

Multiplex PCR assay to identify methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus

Staphylococcus haemolyticus is the most frequently coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species associated with antimicrobial resistance isolated from nosocomial infections. We developed an accurate and simple multiplex PCR assay to identify methicillin-resistant S. haemolyticus (MRSH) isolates. We designed species-specific primers of the mvaA gene that encodes a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A involved in the mevalonate pathway of the microorganism. Simultaneously, mecA gene primers of methicillin resistance were also used. The PCR assay was established using 16 strains of different reference Staphylococcus species and validated with a collection of 147 clinical staphylococcal isolates that were also phenotypically characterized. Reliable results for the detection of MRSH isolates were obtained for 100% of the strains evaluated, showing that this PCR assay can be used for the routine microbiology laboratories. This is the first report using species-specific multiplex PCR to detect a single segment of S. haemolyticus associated with a segment of mecA gene.     

Natural occurrence of deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol,nivalenol, 4,7-dideoxynivalenol,and zearalenone in polish wheat

Three wheat samples collected in 1987 in Central Poland and naturally infected withFusarium spp were analyzed for the presence ofFusarium spp andFusarium toxins. Heads were separated into three fractions: kernels with visibleFusarium damage, healthy looking kernels, and chaff + rachis. The samples contained deoxynivalenol (2.0 – 40.0μg/g), nivalenol (O.O1μg/g), 4,7-dideoxynivalenol (0.10 – 0.15μg/g). 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (0.10–2.00 μg/g), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (O/1Oμg/g), and zearalenone (0.01–2.00μg/g). This is the first report about 15 - acetyldeoxynivalenol in European wheat and the co-occurrence of 3 - acetyldeoxynivalenol and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol in the same sample of contaminated cereals.     

A novel multiplex PCR assay for Salmonella subspecies identification

Aim:  To develop a novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with six primer pairs for Salmonella subspecies identification.
Methods and Results:  Five primer pairs were chosen to detect the genes ( fljB , mdcA , gatD , stn and STM4057) responsible for several phenotypic traits or encoding (sub) species-specific regions. A primer pair for invA was added to simultaneously detect Salmonella . The combination of these primer pairs was expected to give unique results to all subspecies, including Salmonella bongori. The multiplex PCR assay was optimized and evaluated with 53 Salmonella strains representing all S. enterica subspecies, S. bongori and five non- Salmonella strains. The multiplex PCR assay revealed that the genotypes were well correlated with the phenotypes in the Salmonella strains tested. The unique band patterns to their subspecies were generated from 94·3% (50/53) of the Salmonella strains, and no product from other strains by the multiplex PCR assay.
Conclusions:  The multiplex PCR assay we developed was found to be a rapid, specific and easy to perform method compared with traditional biochemical tests for Salmonella subspecies identification, especially for rapid screening of large numbers of samples.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  The assay will be useful for characterizing Salmonella isolates from reptiles, which belong to various subspecies, and therefore add to the scientific understanding of reptile-associated Salmonellosis.     

应用PCR技术检测串珠镰刀菌

串珠镰刀菌(Fusarium moniliform)是一种危害严重、在世界各地广泛流行的植物病原真菌,当前对串珠镰刀菌的鉴定主要根据其菌丝体及再生菌丝的形态结构学特征及染病作物的病害症状来进行鉴定。这些鉴定方法相对简单并在很大程度上依赖于经验,受主观因素影响较大。采用串珠镰刀菌种特异性的寡聚核苷酸为引物,运用PCR技术对串珠镶刀菌进行检测是一种快速可靠的检测鉴定方法,它无需病原菌的分离培养纯化,能从感病的玉米组织中直接实现对串珠镰刀菌的快速检测。经对霉变玉米样品和玉米穗腐病组织的检测,证明该方法是一种快建、有效的方法,具有重要的实际应用价值。     

A novel multiplex PCR assay for the identification of Indian crocodiles

Illegal hunting has been a major threat for the survival of wildlife fauna, including the three crocodile species that India harbours: Crocodylus palustris, Crocodylus porosus and Gavialis gangeticus. Although law prevents trade on these species, illicit hunting for trade continues to threaten the survival of these endangered species; conservation strategies therefore require a rapid molecular identification technique for Indian crocodiles. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with species-specific primers, considered as one of the most effective molecular techniques, is described herein. The primers were designed to yield species-specific sized amplicons. The assay discriminates the three Indian crocodile species unambiguously within a short time period using only simple agarose gel electrophoresis. We recommend this multiplex PCR assay to be used in the identification of Indian crocodile species.     

Multiplex PCR and RFLP approaches for identification of rabbitfish (Siganus) species using mitochondrial gene regions

Molecular assays are described for the identification of six rabbitfish (Siganus) species. A multiplex PCR assay using primers targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b region simultaneously identifies four species: Siganus canaliculatus, S. fuscescens, S. javus, and S. spinus. Subsequent RFLP assays of multiplex amplicons differentiate between S. virgatus and S. corallinus based on diagnostic fragments from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I region. Assays were validated with known specimens demonstrating accuracy of the molecular identification. Applied to morphologically indistinguishable early developmental stages, these assays can facilitate studies on species-specific spatio-temporal patterns of larval dispersal and population connectivity to aid fishery management.     

多重PCR技术在病原检测中的应用

多重PCR能够同时扩增不同片段,具有普通PCR方法不可比拟的优势。简要论述了多重PCR在细菌病原体的检测、病毒病原体的检测、支原体和衣原体及寄生虫的检测、微生物耐药性检测等方面的应用,分析了多重PCR的影响因素及条件优化,并进一步综述了多重PCR的应用前景。     

Multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection and differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complexes and other Mycobacterial species directly from clinical specimens

Aims: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most rapid and sensitive method for diagnosing mycobacterial infections and identifying the aetiological Mycobacterial species in order to administer the appropriate therapy and for better patient management. Methods and Results: Two hundred and thirty‐five samples from 145 clinically suspected cases of tuberculosis were processed for the detection of Mycobacterial infections by ZN (Ziehl Neelsen) smear examination, L‐J & BACTEC^TM MGIT‐960 culture and multiplex PCR tests. The multiplex PCR comprised of genus‐specific primers targeting hsp65 gene, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex‐specific primer targeting cfp10 (Rv3875, esxB) region and Mycobacterium avium complex‐specific primer pairs targeting 16S–23S Internal Transcribed Spacer sequences. The multiplex PCR developed had an analytical sensitivity of 10 fg (3–4 cells) of mycobacterial DNA. The multiplex PCR test showed the highest (77·24%) detection rate, while ZN smear examination had the lowest (20%) detection rate, which was bettered by L‐J culture (34·4%) and BACTEC^TM MGIT‐960 culture (50·34%) methods. The mean isolation time for M. tuberculosis was 19·03 days in L‐J culture and 8·7 days in BACTEC^TM MGIT‐960 culture. Using the multiplex PCR, we could establish M. tuberculosis + M. avium co‐infection in 1·3% HIV‐negative and 2·9% HIV‐positive patients. The multiplex PCR was also highly useful in diagnosing mycobacteraemia in 38·09% HIV‐positive and 15·38% HIV‐negative cases. Conclusions: The developed in‐house multiplex PCR could identify and differentiate the M. tuberculosis and M. avium complexes from other Mycobacterial species directly from clinical specimens. Significance and Impact of the Study: The triplex PCR developed by us could be used to detect and differentiate M. tuberculosis, M. avium and other mycobacteria in a single reaction tube.     

Development of PCR assay based on ITS2 rDNA polymorphism for the detection and differentiation of Fusarium sporotrichioides

A polymerase chain reaction assay was developed for detection of Fusarium sporotrichioides, a plant pathogen in many parts of the world. Based on small nucleotide differences in ITS2 (Internal Transcribed Spacer) rDNA of our local isolate of F. sporotrichioides (Accession No. AY510069) and other isolates found in NCBI/GeneBank database, species specific primer FspITS2K was selected. Primer pair FspITS2K and P28SL amplified a fragment of 288 bp containing a portion of ITS2 and 28S rDNA of all the F. sporotrichioides isolates tested, originated from different hosts and regions of the world but did not amplify any other species of Fusarium and plant's DNA. To use the PCR assay in seed health testing, a protocol was setup for the rapid and effective preparations of fungal DNA from wheat seeds. The method developed may be useful for the rapid detection and identification of F. sporotrichioides both from culture and from plant tissue.     

多重PCR同时检测人乳头瘤病毒、巨细胞病毒和沙眼衣原体

为了应用聚合酶链反应同时检测人巨细胞病毒（CMV）、人乳头瘤病毒（HPV）、沙眼衣原体（CT）,参照文献报道的基因序列,设计合成了三对能扩增370bp、450bp、510bp基因片段的引物,并对PCR扩增条件进行了优化。0.1fgHPV－DNA、CMV－DNA、CT－DNA即可被检出,得到了与设计片段相同的产物,且不扩增大肠杆菌、白色念球菌、解尿支原体等病原的核酸。对395例标本进行检查,各病原体的检出率分别是：HPV19.2%、CMV14.9%、CT5.1%。其中混合感染42例。PCR同时检测CMV、HPV、CT经济、快速、敏感、特异,可用于临床诊断和实验研究。     

Modified Multiplex PCR Methods for Comprehensive Detection of Pectinatus and Beer-Spoilage Cocci

Specific PCR primers were designed based on the 16S rRNA genes of recently proposed beer-spoilage species, Pectinatus haikarae, Megasphaera sueciensis, and M. paucivorans, and two sets of our previously reported multiplex PCR methods for Pectinatus spp. and beer-spoilage cocci were reconstructed. Each modified multiplex PCR method was found specifically to detect beer-spoilage species of Pectinatus and cocci, including new species.     

应用红外荧光和加尾引物法进行向日葵SSR遗传分析中的多聚PCR和多聚凝胶电泳的优化

在向日葵(Helianthus annuus L.)自交系SSR遗传分析中,为了提高SSR荧光分析效率、简化分析程序和降低研究费用,我们进行了多聚PCR和多聚凝胶电泳两项技术的优化研究.结果表明,优化多聚PCR和多聚凝胶电泳的影响因子(如逐步降低的退火温度的循环数、各个多聚位点引物浓度的平衡、PCR缓冲液浓度以及Taq DNA多聚酶的浓度等)可以收到更好的实验效果.基于以上的优化研究,系统地提出了一套优化的加尾引物法的策略.同时,提出了在多聚PCR和多聚凝胶电泳中常常遇到的技术难题的有效防止和解决的方法.     

A species-specific real-time PCR assay for identification of three lichen-forming fungi, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria immixta and Lobaria macaronesica

We present a multiplex real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous identification of three morphologically similar species of lichen-forming fungi, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria immixta and Lobaria macaronesica. Based on TaqMan MGB (minor groove binding) probes targeting the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS nrDNA) region, our assay unambiguously identifies known samples from all the three species, thus providing a powerful alternative to the more expensive DNA-sequencing techniques.     

应用红外荧光和加尾引物法进行向日葵SSR遗传分析中的多聚PCR和多聚凝胶电泳的优化

在向日葵(Helianthus annuus L.)自交系SSR遗传分析中,为了提高SSR荧光分析效率、简化分析程序和降低研究费用,我们进行了多聚PCR和多聚凝胶电泳两项技术的优化研究。结果表明,优化多聚PCR和多聚凝胶电泳的影响因子(如逐步降低的退火温度的循环数、各个多聚位点引物浓度的平衡、PCR缓冲液浓度以及Taq DNA多聚酶的浓度等)可以收到更好的实验效果。基于以上的优化研究,系统地提出了一套优化的加尾引物法的策略。同时,提出了在多聚PCR和多聚凝胶电泳中常常遇到的技术难题的有效防止和解决的方法。     

啮齿动物螺杆菌多重PCR检测方法的建立

目的建立一种可同时检测肝、胆汁、啮齿类三种螺杆菌的多重PCR方法。方法根据已公布的肝、胆汁、啮齿类三种螺杆菌16SrRNA基因序列设计三对特异性引物进行多重PCR并对反应条件进行优化。结果三对引物能分别扩增出特异性的417 bp、364 bp、324 bp目的条带。最佳退火温度为52℃,镁离子浓度为2.0mmol/L,dNTP浓度为200μmol/L,引物浓度为0.625μmol/L。在此条件下多重PCR同时检测的肝、胆汁、啮齿类三种螺杆菌敏感度均为10 fg。结论本实验建立的多重PCR是一种敏感、特异、高效的方法,为同时检测啮齿动物中肝、胆汁、啮齿类三种螺杆菌奠定了良好的基础。     

3种贝类原虫多重荧光定量PCR方法的建立

目的:建立能够同时检测单孢子虫、派琴虫和折光马尔太虫的三重荧光定量PCR方法。方法:根据基因库中单孢子虫、派琴虫和折光马尔太虫的基因序列,设计3对特异性引物和3条用不同荧光基团标记的TaqMan探针,对反应条件和试剂浓度进行优化,建立能够同时检测单孢子虫、派琴虫和折光马尔太虫的三重荧光定量PCR方法。结果:该方法对单孢子虫、派琴虫和折光马尔太虫的检测敏感性分别达到40、400和40个模板拷贝数;此外抗干扰能力强,对单孢子虫、派琴虫和折光马尔太虫不同模板浓度进行组合,仍可有效地同时检测这3种原虫,对嗜水气单胞菌、荧光假单胞菌、副溶血弧菌、溶藻弧菌、河弧菌和拟态弧菌等病原体的检测结果均为阴性。结论:建立的单孢子虫、派琴虫和折光马尔太虫多重荧光定量PCR具有特异、敏感、快速、定量和重复性好等优点,可用于临床上单孢子虫、派琴虫和折光马尔太虫感染的检测。     

鸭圆环病毒与鸭Ⅰ型肝炎病毒二重 PCR 检测方法的建立

目的：建立一种同时检测鸭圆环病毒（DuCV）和鸭I型肝炎病毒（DHV）病原体的二重PCR技术。方法：根据DuCV和DHV的基因文库,分别设计了2对与DuCV和DHV某段基因序列互补的引物,用这2对引物对同一样品中DuCV和DHV模板进行二重PCR扩增。结果与结论：用建立的方法均同时得到了2条特异性的大小与实验设计相符（DuCV：245bp;DHV：569bp）的二重PCR扩增带,而且对其他禽病病原的PCR扩增结果均为阴性,能同时检出56Pg的DHVRNA模板和6Pg的DuCVDNA模板。