Development of touch down-multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis

The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is challenging since conventional methods like culture and immunofluorescence are not universally available. Serology, which is used regularly might be negative during early phase of infection and in immunosuppressed patients or may remain positive for a long time. Several molecular tests have been used for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, but none of them have an internal control which would inform us regarding the presence of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors thus, undermining the confidence of a laboratory physician.

We designed a multiplex PCR containing primers targeting human beta globin gene which would act as internal control and two primers against the B1 gene and 5s gene which aid in sensitive detection of T. gondii.

Multiplex PCR had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 100%.

Multiplex PCR may provide a sensitive and specific tool for diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis.