Impact of short-time urine freezing on the sensitivity of an established Schistosoma real-time PCR assay

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2014 Jun;90(6):1153-5. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0005. Epub 2014 Apr 7.

Abstract

Urogenital schistosomiaisis is a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we have updated an established real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) routinely used in our laboratory. Schistosoma genus-specific real-time PCR was performed on DNA isolated from 85 urine samples and pellets obtained after centrifugation without and after frozen storage. The results revealed that concentration by centrifugation of the urine samples and freezing of the samples before extracting DNA improves the sensitivity of the PCR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Child
  • DNA, Helminth / urine*
  • Female
  • Freezing
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parasite Egg Count
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Schistosoma haematobium / genetics
  • Schistosoma haematobium / isolation & purification*
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / diagnosis*
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / parasitology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Species Specificity
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DNA, Helminth