Multiplex detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples using real-time PCR

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2007 Feb;57(2):163-7. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2006.08.009. Epub 2006 Oct 3.

Abstract

A multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed for the simultaneous detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi (n = 30) and Encephalitozoon spp. (n = 3) in stool samples. The multiplex PCR also included an internal control to detect inhibition of the amplification by fecal constituents in the sample. The assay was performed on species-specific DNA controls (n = 22) and a range of well-defined stool samples (n = 140), and it achieved 100% specificity and sensitivity. The use of this assay in a diagnostic laboratory offers the possibility of introducing DNA detection as a feasible technique in the routine diagnosis of intestinal microsporidian infections.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • DNA, Protozoan / isolation & purification
  • Encephalitozoon / genetics
  • Encephalitozoon / isolation & purification*
  • Encephalitozoonosis / parasitology
  • Enterocytozoon / genetics
  • Enterocytozoon / isolation & purification*
  • Feces / parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Microsporidiosis / parasitology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan