Usefulness of PCR-HRMA in identification of non-fermentative Gram-negative rods recovered from patients suffering from cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2014 Jan;59(1):17-21. doi: 10.1007/s12223-013-0263-5. Epub 2013 Jun 13.

Abstract

Adequate treatment of microbial infections requires rapid and accurate identification of the etiological agent. In routine diagnostics, identification of bacteria conventionally relies on phenotypic testing, which can be hindered by phenotypic variations. Therefore, genotyping techniques should perform faster and more accurately. Recently, the technique of high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) of PCR amplicons promises to provide a convenient and economic tool of genotypic identification. In our study, we performed prospective routine testing of a PCR-HRMA system that was recently published in a proof-of-the-principle study. The system was evaluated by analysing 275 clinical isolates of bacteria acquired from 65 patients suffering from cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Our results show that its routine use may result in partial worsening of its discriminatory power; however, it still outmatched conventional phenotyping in the group of non-fermentative Gram-negative rods. Moreover, when supplemented by rapid, simple and economic oxidase test, it can be even simplified for more economic performance.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci / genetics
  • Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci / isolation & purification*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / complications*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology*
  • Transition Temperature

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial