Faster, Simpler, More-Specific Methods for Improved Molecular Detection of Phytophthora ramorum in the Field

Phytophthora ramorum is the causal agent of sudden oak death. The pathogen also affects a wide range of tree, shrub, and herbaceous species in natural and landscaped environments as well as plants in the nursery industry. A TaqMan real-time PCR method for the detection of this pathogen in the field has been described previously; this paper describes the development of a number of assays based on this method which have various advantages for use in the field. A scorpion real-time PCR assay that is twice as fast as TaqMan was developed, allowing the detection of P. ramorum in less than 30 min. Also designed was a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, which allowed sensitive and specific detection of P. ramorum in 45 min using only a heated block. A positive reaction was identified by the detection of the LAMP product by color change visible to the naked eye.     

白斑综合症病毒实时荧光LAMP检测方法的建立及应用

研究利用ESE-Quant tube scanner检测平台, 建立了一套基于环介导等温扩增技术(Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification, LAMP)的实时荧光检测方法, 用于白斑综合征病毒(White Spot Syndrome Virus, WSSV)的检测; 并在此基础上, 与巢式PCR、Real-time PCR和其他已发表的4种LAMP方法在检测灵敏度、实际应用方面进行比较. 结果显示, 研究建立的实时荧光LAMP检测方法在63℃恒温反应30min可检测到最低为105倍稀释的基因组DNA模板, 与Real-time PCR检测方法的灵敏度相当, 高于巢式PCR和其他已发表的4种LAMP方法的检测灵敏度; 而且特异性较好, 与传染性皮下及造血组织坏死病毒等5种常见对虾病原DNA均无交叉反应. 通过构建质粒进一步进行灵敏度测试显示, 本研究建立的实时荧光LAMP检测方法最低检测限度为24个拷贝质粒DNA, 检出时间亦为30min. 通过对66份待检样品的检测结果显示, 实时荧光LAMP检测方法的检出阳性率为7.57%, 准确率为100%, 高于其他WSSV的检测方法. 因此, 研究建立的WSSV实时荧光LAMP检测方法, 操作简单, 反应速度快, 特异性好, 灵敏度高, 成本低廉, 可以直观、实时地观察反应的进行情况, 适合对虾养殖现场及诊断实验室的WSSV快速检测.       

Detection of periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis by loop-mediated isothermal amplification method

A method for nucleic acid amplification, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was employed to develop a rapid and simple detection system for periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis. A set of six primers was designed by targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. By the detection system, target DNA was amplified and visualized on agarose gel within 30 min under isothermal condition at 64 degrees C with a detection limit of 20 cells of P. gingivalis. Without gel electrophoresis, the LAMP amplicon was directly visualized in the reaction tube by addition of SYBR Green I for a naked-eye inspection. The LAMP reaction was also assessed by white turbidity of magnesium pyrophosphate (a by-product of LAMP) in the tube. Detection limits of these naked-eye inspections were 20 cells and 200 cells, respectively. Although false-positive DNA amplification was observed from more than 10(7) cells of Porphyromonas endodontalis, no amplification was observed in other five related oral pathogens. Further, quantitative detection of P. gingivalis was accomplished by a real-time monitoring of the LAMP reaction using SYBR Green I with linearity over a range of 10(2)-10(6) cells. The real-time LAMP was then applied to clinical samples of dental plaque and demonstrated almost identical results to the conventional real-time PCR with an advantage of rapidity. These findings indicate the potential usefulness of LAMP for detecting and quantifying P. gingivalis, especially in its rapidity and simplicity.     

鸭瘟病毒LAMP可视化检测方法的建立

目的:建立一种快速、简便、特异性高的鸭瘟病毒(DPV)环介导等温扩增(LAMP)检测方法。方法:根据Gen Bank中DPVUI6基因的保守序列设计一套特异性引物,并对反应条件进行优化,建立DPV的LAMP可视化检测方法。结果:建立的LAMP方法对其他鸭常见病原体无扩增反应;可通过肉眼观察颜色直接判定结果;敏感性可达0.1fg,是常规PCR方法的100倍;扩增反应只须在常规水浴锅中进行,可在1 h内完成。结论:建立的DPV LAMP方法简便、快速、灵敏、特异,可用于DPV感染的快速检测。     

Detection of root mat associated Agrobacterium strains from plant material and other sample types by post-enrichment TaqMan PCR

AIMS: The development of a fluorogenic, 5' nuclease, TaqMan PCR assay for the detection of Ri-plasmids from root mat inducing Agrobacterium biovar 1 strains. METHODS AND RESULTS: A TaqMan probe and primer set were designed within the T-DNA sequence of a known root mat inducing Agrobacterium strain. One hundred and ten Agrobacterium and closely related bacteria were tested using this novel PCR and compared with results from a conventional PCR which detects Ti and Ri-plasmids. The Agrobacterium selective media, Medium 1A was modified into broth form for use as an enrichment of the pathogen from samples prior to the TaqMan PCR. CONCLUSIONS: The root mat pathogen was detected successfully from a range of sample types using the enriched fluorogenic PCR assay, negating the need for complex DNA extraction procedures and post-PCR processing techniques such as gel electrophoresis. The technique is therefore a rapid and cost-effective detection method. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first known report of a fluorogenic, 5' nuclease, TaqMan assay designed to detect an Agrobacterium plant pathogen. The method can be used as a model system for the detection of other Agrobacterium pathogens.     

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.     

Development of a real-time PCR assay for detection of monodon baculovirus (MBV) in penaeid shrimp

A real-time PCR method was developed to detect monodon baculovirus (MBV) in penaeid shrimp. A pair of MBV primers to amplify a 135 bp DNA fragment and a TaqMan probe were developed. The primers and TaqMan probe were specific for MBV and did not cross react with Hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV), White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), Infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic virus (IHHNV) and specific pathogen free (SPF) shrimp DNA. A plasmid (pMBV) containing the target MBV sequence was constructed and used for determination of the sensitivity of the real-time PCR. This real-time PCR assay had a detection limit of one plasmid MBV DNA copy. Most significantly, this real-time PCR method can detect MBV positive samples from different geographic locations in the University of Arizona collection, including Thailand and Indonesia collected over a 13-year period.     

Sensitive and rapid detection of Flavobacterium columnare in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method

AIMS: To evaluate the loop-mediated isothermal amplification method (LAMP) for rapid detection of Flavobacterium columnare and determine the suitability of LAMP for rapid diagnosis of columnaris infection in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. METHODS AND RESULTS: A set of four primers, two outer and two inner, were designed specifically to recognize 16S ribosomal RNA gene of this pathogen. Bacterial genomic DNA templates were prepared by hot lysis in a lysis buffer. Amplification of the specific gene segments was carried out at 65 degrees C for 1 h. The amplified gene products were analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis and detected by staining gels with ethidium bromide. A PCR assay was also included in this study. Our results demonstrate that the ladder-like pattern of bands from 204 bp specific to the Fl. columnare 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified. The detection limit of the LAMP assay was comparable to that of PCR in prepared genomic DNA reactions. In addition, this optimized LAMP assay was able to detect the Fl. columnare 16S ribosomal RNA gene in experimentally infected channel catfish. CONCLUSIONS: The LAMP assay for Fl. columnare detection in channel catfish was established. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Because LAMP assay is a rapid, sensitive, specific, simple and cost-effective assay for Fl. columnare detection in channel catfish, it is useful for rapid diagnosis of Fl. columnare in fish hatcheries and the field.     

应用TaqMan荧光定量PCR检测土拉弗朗西斯菌

目的：利用Roche LightCycler实时定量PCR系统建立一种快速、灵敏、特异的检测土拉弗朗西斯菌的方法。方法：基于TaqMan荧光探针实时定量PCR技术,选择土拉弗朗西斯菌染色体上的特异序列[醇醛酮还原酶（AKR）和外膜蛋白FopA基因]作为检测靶序列,建立土拉弗朗西斯菌实时定量PCR检测方法;评价该检测方法的特异性和灵敏性;采用克隆菌株污染环境土壤来模拟实际样品,评价该检测方法在快速检测与现场检测等实际应用中的表现。结果：优化筛选基因组中的FT-AKR和FT-fopA片段作为检测靶序列,所建立的土拉弗朗西斯菌实时定量PCR检测方法检测克隆菌株质粒的灵敏度均为10个拷贝/每个反应体系;以其他非土拉弗朗西斯菌为模板未出现非特异扩增;模拟环境土壤样品检测灵敏度2个引物对分别为440和960CFU/g土壤;盲测实验结果显示对于灵敏度范围内的阳性样本均能正确识别,并能正确检测出不同浓度的阳性样本。以FT-fopA片段为靶序列的扩增效率不及基于FT-AKR引物对的扩增。结论：基于FT-AKR片段的引物对扩增效率高,检测土拉弗朗西斯菌具有特异、灵敏的特点,对临床诊断、环境污染监测、防治生物突发事件等具有重要意义。     

A real-time PCR for SARS-coronavirus incorporating target gene pre-amplification

An enhanced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect the coronavirus associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) was developed in which a target gene pre-amplification step preceded TaqMan real-time fluorescent PCR. Clinical samples were collected from 120 patients diagnosed as suspected or probable SARS cases and analyzed by conventional PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis, conventional TaqMan real-time PCR, and our enhanced TaqMan real-time PCR assays. An amplicon of the size expected from SARS-CoV was obtained from 28/120 samples using the enhanced real-time PCR method. Conventional PCR and real-time PCR alone identified fewer SARS-CoV positive cases. Results were confirmed by viral culture in 3/28 cases. The limit of detection of the enhanced real-time PCR method was 10(2)-fold higher than the standard real-time PCR assay and 10(7)-fold higher than conventional PCR methods. The increased sensitivity of the assay may help control the spread of the disease during future SARS outbreaks.     

Simultaneous detection and differentiation of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Leptospira spp. by multiplex real-time PCR (TaqMan) assay

Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic Leptospira, is one of the most important zoonoses in the world. Several molecular techniques have been developed for detection and differentiation between pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira spp. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and simple assay for specific detection and differentiation of pathogenic Leptospira spp. by multiplex real-time PCR (TaqMan) assay using primers and probes targeting Leptospira genus specific 16S ribosomal RNA gene, the pathogen specific lig A/B genes and nonpathogen Leptospira biflexa specific 23S ribosomal RNA gene. Sixteen reference strains of Leptospira spp. including pathogenic and nonpathogenic and ten other negative control bacterial strains were used in the study. While the 16S primers amplified target from both pathogenic and non-pathogenic leptospires, the ligA/B and the 23S primers amplified target DNA from pathogenic and non-pathogenic leptospires, respectively. The multiplex real-time PCR (TaqMan) assay detection limit, that is, the sensitivity was found approximately 1 x 10(2) cells/ml for ligA/B gene and 23S ribosomal RNA gene, and 10 cells/ml 16S ribosomal RNA. The reaction efficiencies were 83-105% with decision coefficients of more than 0.99 in all multiplex assays. The multiplex real-time PCR (TaqMan) assay yielded negative results with the ten other control bacteria. In conclusion, the developed multiplex real-time PCR (TaqMan) assay is highly useful for early diagnosis and differentiation between pathogenic and non-pathogenic leptospires in a reaction tube as having high sensitivity and specificity.     

Molecular detection of Puccinia horiana in Chrysanthemum x morifolium through conventional and real-time PCR

Puccinia horiana Henn. is a quarantine organism and one of the most important fungal pathogens of Chrysanthemum x morifolium cultivars grown for cut flower or potted plant production (florist's chrysanthemum) in several regions of the world. Highly specific primer pairs were identified for conventional, nested, and real-time PCR detection of P. horiana based on the specific and sensitive PCR amplification of selected regions in the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Using these different PCR versions, 10 pg, 10 fg, and 5 fg genomic DNA could be detected, respectively. When using cloned target DNA as template, the detection limits were 5000, 50, and 5 target copies, respectively. These detection limits were not affected by a background of chrysanthemum plant DNA. The DNA extraction method was optimized to maximize the recoverability of the pathogen from infected plant tissue. A CTAB extraction protocol or a selection of commercial DNA extraction methods allowed the use of 10 ng total (plant+pathogen) DNA without interference of PCR inhibitors. Due to the specificity of the primers, SYBR Green I technology enabled reliable real time PCR signal detection. However, an efficient TaqMan probe is available. The lowest proportion of infected plant material that could still be detected when mixed with healthy plant material was 0.001%. The real-time PCR assay could detect as few as eight pure P. horiana basidiospores, demonstrating the potential of the technique for aerial detection of the pathogen. The amount of P. horiana DNA in plant tissue was determined at various time points after basidiospore inoculation. Using the real-time PCR protocol, it was possible to detect the pathogen immediately after the inoculation period, even though the accumulation of pathogen DNA was most pronounced near the end of the latent period. The detection system proved to be accurate and sensitive and could help not only in pathogen diagnosis but also in pathogen monitoring and disease forecasting systems.     

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for porcine circovirus type 2

In this study,the loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP)method was used to develop a rapid and simple detection system for porcine circovirus type 2(PCV2).According to the PCV2 sequences published in GenBank,multiple LAMP primers were designed targeting conserved sequences of PCV2.Using the DNA extracted from PCV2 isolates HUN-09 and SD-09 as the template,LAMP reactions in a PCV2 LAMP system was performed,the amplification products were detected by adding SYBR Green I and could be observed directly by the naked eye.The results showed highly-efficient and specific amplification in 30 min at 63℃ with a LAMP real-time turbidimeter.Furthermore,PCV2 DNA templates,with a detection limit of 5.5×10-5ng of nucleic acid,indicated that this assay was highly sensitive.The results obtained with the naked eye after SYBR Green I staining were consistent with those detected by the real-time turbidimeter,showing the potential simplicity of interpretation of the assay results.The LAMP assay appeared to have greater accuracy than PCR and virus isolation for the analysis of 18 clinical samples.In addition it offers higher specificity and sensitivity,shorter reaction times and simpler procedures than the currently available methods of PCV2 detection.It is therefore a promising tool for the effective and efficient detection of PCV2.     

Rapid detection of Enterobacter sakazakii using TaqMan real-time PCR assay

Enterobacter sakazakii is an emerging food pathogen, which induces severe meningitis and sepsis in neonates and infants, with a high fatality rate. The disease is generally associated with the ingestion of contaminated infant formula. In this study, we describe the development of a real-time PCR protocol to identify E. sakazakii using a TaqMan probe, predicated on the nucleotide sequence data of the 16S rRNA gene obtained from a variety of pathogens. To detect E. sakazakii, four primer sets and one probe were designed. Five strains of E. sakazakii and 28 non-E. sakazakii bacterial strains were used in order to ensure the accuracy of detection. The PCR protocol successfully identified all of the E. sakazakii strains, whereas the 28 non-E. sakazakii strains were not detected by this method. The detection limits of this method for E. sakazakii cells and purified genomic DNA were 2.3 CFU/assay and 100 fg/assay, respectively. These findings suggest that our newly developed TaqMan real-time PCR method should prove to be a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative method for the detection of E. sakazakii.     

牡蛎单孢子虫环介导等温扩增可视化检测方法的建立

目的:建立基于环介导等温扩增(LAMP)技术的单孢子虫可视化检测方法。方法:根据尼氏单孢子虫的小亚基核糖体RNA保守序列,设计一套特异性LAMP引物,对反应条件如温度和试剂浓度进行优化,建立检测牡蛎单孢子虫的LAMP方法。结果:所建立的方法的敏感性可达1 fg,是常规PCR方法的100倍;全部反应可在1 h内完成;可通过肉眼观察颜色,直接判定结果;对其他牡蛎常见病原体的检测结果均为阴性。结论:建立的LAMP方法简便、快速、灵敏、特异,可用于牡蛎单孢子虫感染的快速检测。     

产肠毒素大肠杆菌快速检测方法的建立和评价

目的利用环介导等温扩增(LAMP)技术,建立产肠毒素大肠杆菌(ETEC)的快速、便捷、敏感、特异的检测方法,并对该方法的特异性和敏感性进行评价,为实验动物检测和细菌性腹泻的诊断提供技术支持。方法根据GenBank公布的产肠毒素大肠杆菌的LT毒素基因序列(S60731.1)设计外引物和内引物进行LAMP扩增,对LAMP特异性和敏感性与PCR方法做比较。结果建立的LAMP方法检测最低浓度为100 pg/μL,灵敏度是PCR的10倍以上并具有较高的特异性,利用该方法对27份猴腹泻样品进行LAMP和PCR方法检测,发现PCR检出率为33.3%,LAMP(60 min内)结果与PCR相同,而LAMP(90 min内)检出率为92.6%,约是PCR检出率的3倍。结论建立了一种用于检测肠毒性大肠杆菌(ETEC)的LAMP检测方法,该方法特异性强,灵敏度高,方便快捷,适合于ETEC临床快速检测。     

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification targeting the apxIVA gene for detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel nucleic acid amplification method performed under isothermal conditions with high specificity and efficiency. We developed a diagnostic method based on LAMP for detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae . Using six specific primers targeting the apxIVA gene, the LAMP assay rapidly amplified the target gene within 30 min, requiring only a laboratory water bath for the reaction to occur. The resulting amplificon was visualized by adding SYBR Green I to the mixture. The results obtained from testing 15 A. pleuropneumoniae reference strains and other seven bacterial species strains showed that the LAMP was as specific as and 10 times more sensitive than nested PCR. Sixty-five tonsil samples were collected from 65 healthy pigs. All the samples were negative for A. pleuropneumoniae by immunomagnetic separation-based (IMS) bacterial isolation, nested PCR and LAMP, respectively. Meanwhile, 115 tonsil samples were also collected from 115 pigs with apparent respiratory problems. Twenty-two were positive by IMS bacterial isolation. All the samples that were positive by IMS bacterial isolation were also positive by nested PCR and LAMP. The LAMP assay demonstrated exceptionally higher sensitivity than nested PCR by picking up 14 additional positive cases (χ² test, P <0.0001); we concluded that LAMP was a highly sensitive and reliable method for detection of A. pleuropneumoniae infection.     

环介导等温扩增技术快速检测施罗氏弧菌(Vibrio shilonii)

【背景】近年来,珊瑚白化事件频有发生,面临着严重衰退。由气候变化引起的珊瑚病原菌快速增殖是导致珊瑚白化的主要因素之一。施罗氏弧菌是枇杷珊瑚的致病菌,能侵入珊瑚虫体内而使珊瑚白化死亡。【目的】优化并建立一种钙黄绿素显色法快速检测珊瑚致病菌施罗氏弧菌的环介导等温扩增(Loop-mediatedisothermalamplificaiton,LAMP)检测技术。【方法】以枇杷珊瑚致病菌施罗氏弧菌为研究对象,针对施罗氏弧菌的rpoD (RNA polymerase subunit D)基因设计6条特异性扩增引物,建立LAMP检测体系并检测其特异性和灵敏度,同时对LAMP法、常规PCR和荧光定量PCR3种检测方法进行比较分析。【结果】供检测的10个样品菌株中,施罗氏弧菌反应结果为阳性,呈亮绿色,其他9株包括阴性对照(灭菌水为模板)反应结果为阴性,呈浅橙黄色;同时,所建立的钙黄绿素-LAMP方法最低检测限度为3.641×10~3 cps/mL,具有与荧光定量PCR等同的灵敏度和准确性,是常规PCR最低检测限度的0.1%;此外,通过模拟野外海水样品检测发现,钙黄绿素-LAMP方法对海水样品中施罗氏弧菌的检测限度可达1.3×10~2 CFU/mL。【结论】建立的钙黄绿素-LAMP检测技术具有很好的特异性、灵敏度和准确性,其操作方法简单、方便,无需昂贵仪器,适用于野外现场珊瑚致病菌施罗氏弧菌的快速检测。