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Detection of Bartonella in cat scratch disease using a single-step PCR assay kit
C Hobson1, C Le Brun1, C Beauruelle1,2
1CHRU de Tours, Service de Bactériologie-Virologie, F-37044 Tours, France.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|October 26, 2017
Summary
A commercial Bartonella PCR kit shows promise for diagnosing cat scratch disease (CSD). The RealCycler BART kit identified seven additional positive cases compared to an in-house assay, highlighting molecular diagnostics for Bartonella infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bartonella is an emerging pathogen causing severe human illnesses like cat scratch disease (CSD).
- Bartonella species are challenging to culture, necessitating advanced detection methods.
- Molecular techniques, particularly PCR, are crucial for identifying Bartonella infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a commercial PCR kit (RealCycler BART) for Bartonella detection.
- To compare the commercial kit's performance against an established in-house PCR assay.
- To assess the utility of molecular methods in diagnosing Bartonella henselae infections.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study was conducted on 73 lymphadenopathy samples suspected of CSD.
- An in-house PCR assay targeting the ribC gene was used for Bartonella detection.
- The commercial RealCycler BART kit was employed and results were compared.
Main Results:
- Out of 28 positive Bartonella samples, 21 were detected by both PCR assays.
- The commercial kit alone identified an additional seven positive cases.
- This indicates a potential for enhanced sensitivity in Bartonella detection.
Conclusions:
- The commercial RealCycler BART kit demonstrates suitable performance as an alternative to in-house PCR assays.
- Molecular diagnostic methods are vital for accurate and timely CSD diagnosis.
- Further validation of commercial kits can improve Bartonella detection rates.
