Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
Comparison of single-round polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and pepsin-trypsin digest (PTD) methods for detection of
G J Schisle1, E P Bergersen, P G Walker
1Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80526, USA. george.schisler@state.co.us
Abstract:
Single-round polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and pepsin-trypsin digest (PTD) methods were compared for the detection of Myxobolus cerebralis. Parallel tests were conducted on a total of 1743 free-ranging and 400 hatchery-reared salmonids. Concurrent results were found in 84.6% of the free-ranging fish samples, and 83.5% of the hatchery samples. PCR identified M. cerebralis more frequently than did PTD, and did so in many geographic locations previously considered free of the parasite. Average myxospore count by PTD among both free-ranging and hatchery fish increased significantly (p < 0.001) with a subjective evaluation of amplicon staining intensity.

