Improving specificity of Bordetella pertussis detection using a four target real-time PCR

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High-throughput Detection of Respiratory Pathogens in Animal Specimens by Nanoscale PCR

Published on: November 28, 2016

Helena Martini1, Liselot Detemmerman1, Oriane Soetens1

  • 1Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Department of Microbiology and Infection Control and Belgian National Reference Centre for Bordetella Pertussis, Brussels, Belgium.

Plos One
|April 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Rising whooping cough (pertussis) cases necessitate accurate Bordetella species identification. This study validates a multiplex PCR assay for differentiating Bordetella pertussis from other Bordetella species, aiding in diagnosis and epidemiological tracking.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is increasing globally despite vaccination efforts.
  • Other Bordetella species (B. parapertussis, B. holmesii, B. bronchiseptica) can cause similar respiratory symptoms.
  • Accurate differentiation of Bordetella species is crucial for effective diagnosis and public health management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a multiplex PCR assay for differentiating Bordetella pertussis from other Bordetella species.
  • To investigate the epidemiology of Bordetella species infections in Belgium from 2013 to 2015.

Main Methods:

  • Development and validation of a multiplex PCR assay targeting IS481, IS1001, IS1002, and recA genes.
  • Retrospective analysis of Bordetella infections in Belgium using the validated multiplex PCR assay.
  • Data collection over a three-year period (2013-2015).

Main Results:

  • The multiplex PCR assay demonstrated capability in differentiating Bordetella pertussis from other Bordetella species.
  • Epidemiological data on Bordetella infections in Belgium were gathered for the specified period.
  • The assay's sensitivity and specificity for differentiating species were assessed.

Conclusions:

  • The evaluated multiplex PCR assay is a valuable tool for accurate Bordetella species identification.
  • This diagnostic method supports improved surveillance and understanding of whooping cough and related infections.
  • Findings contribute to the epidemiological knowledge of Bordetella spp. in Belgium.

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