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Toxoplasma polymerase chain reaction on experimental blood samples
A W Joss1, J M Chatterton, R Evans
1Microbiology Department, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
A new two-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay effectively detects Toxoplasma gondii DNA, even from a single parasite. This sensitive method aids in diagnosing toxoplasmosis in various infection stages and hosts.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasite causing toxoplasmosis.
- Accurate and sensitive diagnostic methods are crucial for timely treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a sensitive and specific two-stage PCR assay for Toxoplasma gondii detection.
- To assess the assay's performance in experimentally infected animal models.
Main Methods:
- Development of a two-stage PCR assay using B1 gene primers for Toxoplasma gondii.
- Testing the assay on mock-infected rodent leucocyte preparations.
- Evaluating parasitemia detection at various time points post-infection with different T. gondii strains.
Main Results:
- The assay detected as little as one T. gondii parasite per sample.
- Parasitemia was identified in rats and mice at multiple stages after infection.
- PCR demonstrated higher sensitivity than animal culture for detecting chronic infections.
Conclusions:
- The developed two-stage PCR assay is highly sensitive and specific for Toxoplasma gondii detection.
- This assay is a valuable tool for diagnosing toxoplasmosis in various infection scenarios.
- The method shows promise for identifying T. gondii in immunocompromised patients.
