Development of a Genotyping Method for Potato Scab Pathogens Based on Multiplex PCR

Scab disease significantly damages potato and other root crops. Streptomyces scabiei, S. acidiscabiei, and S. turgidiscabiei are the best-known causal agents of this disease. We have developed a novel genotyping method for these potato scab pathogens using multiplex PCR, whose benefits include rapid and easy detection of multiple species. We designed a species-specific primer set (6 primers, 3 pairs) for the 16S rRNA genes and 16S–23S ITS regions of these potato scab pathogens. The specificity of the primer set was confirmed by testing 18 strains containing potato scab pathogens, other Streptomyces species, and strains of other genera. The application of the developed method to potato field soil and potato tissue samples resulted in the clear detection and identification of pathogens. Since this method is applicable to a large number of environmental samples, it is expected to be useful for a high-throughput analysis of soil and plant tissues of scab disease.     

六种弧菌多重PCR快速检测方法的建立

目的:检测鳗弧菌、哈氏孤菌、副溶血孤菌、溶藻胶弧菌、霍乱弧菌和创伤孤菌六种水产常见病原菌.方法:以toxR-toxS为靶基因设计引物,建立了一种多重PCR( multiplex PCR,mPCR)快速检测方法.结果:本研究设计的mPCR引物特异性强,与其他弧菌及非孤菌无交叉反应,每次反应的敏感性为10-100 CFU(cell forming unit)/每个反应.结论:应用建立的mPCR方法结果稳定可靠,有望成为检测病害弧菌的有效工具.     

六种弧菌多重PCR快速检测方法的建立

目的:检测鳗弧菌、哈氏弧菌、副溶血弧菌、溶藻胶弧菌、霍乱弧菌和创伤弧菌六种水产常见病原菌。方法:以toxR-toxS为靶基因设计引物,建立了一种多重PCR(multiplex PCR,mPCR)快速检测方法。结果:本研究设计的mPCR引物特异性强,与其他弧菌及非弧菌无交叉反应,每次反应的敏感性为10-100 CFU(cell forming unit)/每个反应。结论:应用建立的mPCR方法结果稳定可靠,有望成为检测病害弧菌的有效工具。     

A Multiplex PCR for the Simultaneous Detection and Genotyping of the Echinococcus granulosus Complex

Echinococcus granulosus is characterized by high intra-specific variability (genotypes G1–G10) and according to the new molecular phylogeny of the genus Echinococcus, the E. granulosus complex has been divided into E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3), E. equinus (G4), E. ortleppi (G5), and E. canadensis (G6–G10). The molecular characterization of E. granulosus isolates is fundamental to understand the spatio-temporal epidemiology of this complex in many endemic areas with the simultaneous occurrence of different Echinococcus species and genotypes. To simplify the genotyping of the E. granulosus complex we developed a single-tube multiplex PCR (mPCR) allowing three levels of discrimination: (i) Echinococcus genus, (ii) E. granulosus complex in common, and (iii) the specific genotype within the E. granulosus complex. The methodology was established with known DNA samples of the different strains/genotypes, confirmed on 42 already genotyped samples (Spain: 22 and Bulgaria: 20) and then successfully applied on 153 unknown samples (Tunisia: 114, Algeria: 26 and Argentina: 13). The sensitivity threshold of the mPCR was found to be 5 ng Echinoccoccus DNA in a mixture of up to 1 µg of foreign DNA and the specificity was 100% when template DNA from closely related members of the genus Taenia was used. Additionally to DNA samples, the mPCR can be carried out directly on boiled hydatid fluid or on alkaline-lysed frozen or fixed protoscoleces, thus avoiding classical DNA extractions. However, when using Echinococcus eggs obtained from fecal samples of infected dogs, the sensitivity of the mPCR was low (<40%). Thus, except for copro analysis, the mPCR described here has a high potential for a worldwide application in large-scale molecular epidemiological studies on the Echinococcus genus.     

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。     

人乳头瘤状病毒分型检测技术研究进展

HPV病毒有100多个亚型,反复持续的高危型人乳头瘤状病毒(Human papillomavirus,HPV)的感染是子宫颈癌发生的必要条件.对其进行分型检测,对子宫颈病变的早期发现和预防有很重要的意义.近年来,HPV分型检测技术发展十分迅速,本文对其相关研究新进展进行综述.     

Detection of DNA in Human Blastocyst Cavity Aspirate by Multiplex PCR

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a modern method of detection of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in a human embryo before its transfer to the uterus. The genetic material is obtained by embryo biopsy. Here, we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of a method of noninvasive biopsy—aspiration of the blastocoel contents (blastocentesis) of human embryos. In this study, a biopsy was carried out human embryos with low morphological characteristics (3–4 CC according to Gardner grading) on day 6–7 of development. DNA obtained from the aspirate, as well as from the blastocyst, was analyzed by QF-PCR (quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction) after whole genome amplification. In total, 24 blastocysts and aspirate samples obtained from them were analyzed; assayable DNA was found in seven (29%) aspirate samples from the blastocyst cavity, and this DNA was identical to blastocyst DNA in five (71%) cases. Thus, it was shown that, using aspiration of the blastocoel fluid of the human embryo, it is possible to obtain DNA suitable for analysis by molecular genetic methods. The features and advantages of the use of multiplex QF-PCR method combined with whole genome amplification for studying DNA obtained during aspiration of the blastocoel fluid are discussed. The prospects of DNA obtainment by the noninvasive biopsy method for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in the routine practice of infertility treatment and prevention of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in newborns are considered.     

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。     

Rapid Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 with Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assays

A SYBR Green LightCycler PCR assay using a single primer pair allowed simultaneous detection of stx1 and/or stx2 of Escherichia coli O157:H7. A distinct sequence of the Shiga-like toxin genes was amplified to yield products of 227 and/or 224 bp, respectively. The two products were distinguished by melting point curve analysis.     

Detection of Microbial Pathogens in Shellfish with Multiplex PCR

Multiplex PCR amplification of uidA, cth, invA, ctx, and tl genes was developed enabling simultaneous detection in shellfish of Escherichia coli, an indicator of fecal contamination and microbial pathogens, Salmonella typhimurium, Vibrio vulnificus, V. cholerae, and V. parahaemolyticus, respectively. Each of the five pairs of oligonucleotide primers was found to support PCR amplifications of only its targeted gene. The optimized multiplex PCR reaction utilized a PCR reaction buffer containing 2.5 mM MgCl₂ and primer annealing temperature of 55°C. Oyster tissue homogenate seeded with these microbial pathogens was subjected to DNA purification by the Chelex™ 100 (BioRad) method. The sensitivity of detection for each of the microbial pathogens was ≤10¹–10² cells following a “double” multiplex PCR amplification approach. Amplified target genes in a multiplex PCR reaction were subjected to a colorimetric GeneComb™ (BioRad) DNA-DNA hybridization assay. This assay was rapid and showed sensitivity of detection comparable to the agarose gel electrophoresis method. The colorimetric GeneComb™ assay avoids use of hazardous materials inherent in conventional gel electrophoresis and radioactive-based hybridization methods. Multiplex PCR amplification, followed by colorimetric GeneComb™ DNA-DNA hybridization, has been shown to be an effective, sensitive, and rapid method to detect microbial pathogens in shellfish. Received: 17 November 1997 / Accepted: 17 February 1998     

Development of Three Multiplex PCR Assays Targeting the 21 Most Clinically Relevant Serogroups Associated with Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Infection in Humans

Escherichia coli serogroups O5, O15, O26, O45, O55, O76, O91, O103, O104, O111, O113, O118, O121, O123, O128, O145, O146, O157, O165, O172, and O177 are the O-antigen forms of the most clinically relevant Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) serotypes. In this study, three multiplex PCR assays able to specifically detect these 21 serogroups were developed and validated. For this purpose, the O-antigen gene clusters of E. coli O5 and O76 were fully sequenced, their associated genes were identified on the basis of homology, and serogroup-specific primers were designed. After preliminary evaluation, these two primer pairs were proven to be highly specific and suitable for the development of PCR assays for O5 and O76 serogroup identification. Specific primers were also designed for serogroups O15, O45, O55, O91, O104, O113, O118, O123, O128, O146, O157, O165, O172, and O177 based on previously published sequences, and previously published specific primers for serogroups O26, O103, O111, O121, and O145 were also included. These 21 primer pairs were shown to be specific for their target serogroup when tested against E. coli type strains representing 169 known O-antigen forms of E. coli and Shigella and therefore suitable for being used in PCR assays for serogroup identification. In order to validate the three multiplex PCR assays, 22 E. coli strains belonging to the 21 covered serogroups and 18 E. coli strains belonging to other serogroups were screened in a double-blind test and their sensitivity was determined as 1 ng chromosomal DNA. The PCR assays developed in this study could be a faster, simpler, and less expensive strategy for serotyping of the most clinically relevant STEC strains in both clinical microbiology and public health laboratories, and so their development could benefit for clinical diagnosis, epidemiological investigations, surveillance, and control of STEC infections.     

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。     

The Distribution of High-Risk Human Papillomaviruses Is Different in Young and Old Patients with Cervical Cancer

Despite numerous human papillomavirus (HPV) frequency studies in women with cervical cancer (CC), little is known of HPV frequency trends according to patient age. In this work, we compare the mean age and frequency distribution by age of CC patients positive for different HPVs. This study included 462 CC patients. HPVs were detected by PCR and typed using DNA sequencing. A total of 456 patients (98.7%) were positive for HPV: 418 (90.5%) had single and 38 (8.2%) had double HPV infections. HPV16 (46.5%), HPV18 (10.4%), HPV45 (6.7%), and HPV31 (4.1%) were the most frequent viral types in single-infected patients. The mean ages of single-infected patients with HPV16 (49.2±13.3), HPV18 (47.9±12.2), HPV45 (47.9±11.7), or HPV39 (42.6±8.9) were significantly lower than the mean ages of patients singly (53.9±12.7; p<0.001, t-test) or doubly (55.4±12.7; p<0.05, t-test) infected with the remaining HPVs. Three different trends were identified: one for HPV16, another for HPVs18/45/39, and a third for the rest of HPVs. The frequency trend of HPV16 shows two peaks. The first (63.2%) was found in the youngest women (≤35 years), followed by a decreasing trend until the age of 55–60 years (31.1%). The second peak arose at 61–65 years (52.5%), followed by a decreasing trend. The trend for HPVs18/45/39 declined from the youngest (19.3%) to the oldest (>70 years; 12.8%) women. In contrast, the trend for the remaining HPVs increased from the youngest (15.8%) to the oldest (46.2%) women. Unlike other life-style factors, low-risk sexual behavior was associated with late onset of CC independent of low-oncogenic HPV types (p<0.05, Wald chi-square statistic). The data indicate that most CCs in young women depend on the presence of high-oncogenic HPVs. In contrast, almost half of CCs in older patients had low-oncogenic HPVs, suggesting they could depend on the presence of other factors.     

A Novel Multiplex Tetra-Primer ARMS-PCR for the Simultaneous Genotyping of Six Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Female Cancers

Background

The tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (T-ARMS-PCR) is a fast and economical means of assaying SNP''s, requiring only PCR amplification and subsequent electrophoresis for the determination of genotypes. To improve the throughput and efficiency of T-ARMS-PCR, we combined T-ARMS-PCR with a chimeric primer-based temperature switch PCR (TSP) strategy, and used capillary electrophoresis (CE) for amplicon separation and identification. We assessed this process in the simultaneous genotyping of four breast cancer–and two cervical cancer risk–related SNPs.

Methods

A total of 24 T-ARMS-PCR primers, each 5′-tagged with a universal sequence and a pair of universal primers, were pooled together to amplify the 12 target alleles of 6 SNPs in 186 control female blood samples. Direct sequencing of all samples was also performed to assess the accuracy of this method.

Results

Of the 186 samples, as many as 11 amplicons can be produced in one single PCR and separated by CE. Genotyping results of the multiplex T-ARMS-PCR were in complete agreement with direct sequencing of all samples.

Conclusions

This novel multiplex T-ARMS-PCR method is the first reported method allowing one to genotype six SNPs in a single reaction with no post-PCR treatment other than electrophoresis. This method is reliable, fast, and easy to perform.     

含非竞争性内标四重荧光RT-PCR方法检测手足口肠道病毒方法的研究

旨在了解手足口病的流行和感染情况,并进行快速准确的检测。建立了含非竞争性内标的同时检测肠道病毒通用型、肠道病毒EV71型及柯萨奇病毒CA16型的四重荧光RT-PCR方法,对该方法的特异性、灵敏度等进行评价,并对多份临床样本进行应用检测。结果表明,该检测方法特异性强,对肠道病毒及其他人类非肠道病毒进行检测,显示了良好的特异性;该检测方法对EV71型和CA16型的检测灵敏度分别达到31.25 TCID50和1.25×102TCID50;将浓度为1×104TCID50及5×102TCID50的EV71样本进行重复性试验,其变异系数均小于1.5%;将浓度为5×102-5×105TCID50的EV71和CA16样本进行线性试验,其相关系数R2值在0.982-0.998之间。采用本研究建立的方法检测40份疑似临床样本,最后检出31份肠道病毒阳性样本,其中8例EV71型阳性,13例CA16阳性。另外,试验数据表明,内标对监控PCR抑制物的存在具有重要作用。本方法能同时快速检测所有肠道病毒并进行EV71型及CA16型的分型,并且灵敏度高、特异性好、扩增效率高,由于加入了内标,能有效地监控假阴性的出现,适合于手足口病的临床检测。     

Multiplex on-Chip PCR with Direct Detection of Immobilized Primer Elongation

Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry - A variant of multiplex PCR on a chip with direct detection of immobilized primer elongation has been developed. Detection is performed by determining the...     

A Multiplex PCR Assay Mediated by Universal Primer for the Diagnosis of Human Meningitis Caused by Six Common Bacteria

The present study aimed to develop a universal primer-multiplex PCR (UP-M-PCR) assay for the detection of six common bacteria associated with human meningitis. One optimal universal primer (UP) was selected from three UPs by comparing their sensitivities and specificities. All specific primers were tagged with the UP sequence at 5' end, and applied to the multiplex PCR system. The multiplex system was further optimized and assessed. This UP-M-PCR can successfully detect the six meningitis-associated pathogens with high specificity, and the sensitivity could reach up to 10 copies. In the identification of clinical specimens, six positive cases infected with Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were confirmed. The newly developed multiplex PCR system can be used to detect the six pathogens associated with human bacterial meningitis with high specificity and sensitivity.     

Molecular-Beacon Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Vibrio cholerae

A multiplex real-time PCR assay was developed using molecular beacons for the detection of Vibrio cholerae by targeting four important virulence and regulatory genes. The specificity and sensitivity of this assay, when tested with pure culture and spiked environmental water samples, were high, surpassing those of currently published PCR assays for the detection of this organism.