A duplex endpoint PCR assay for rapid detection and differentiation of Leptospira strains

• Main Authors: Benacer, D., Mohd Zain, S.N., Lewis, J.W., Khalid, M.K.N.M., Thong, Kwai Lin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2017
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QH301 Biology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/18378/1/A_duplex_endpoint_PCR_assay_for_rapid_detection_and.pdf; http://eprints.um.edu.my/18378/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0364-2016

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to develop a duplex endpoint PCR assay for rapid detection and differentiation of Leptospira strains. METHODS: Primers were designed to target the rrs (LG1/LG2) and ligB (LP1/LP2) genes to confirm the presence of the Leptospira genus and the pathogenic species, respectively. RESULTS: The assay showed 100% specificity against 17 Leptospira strains with a limit of detection of 23.1pg/µl of leptospiral DNA and sensitivity of 103 leptospires/ml in both spiked urine and water. CONCLUSIONS: Our duplex endpoint PCR assay is suitable for rapid early detection of Leptospira with high sensitivity and specificity.