Validation of an rpoB gene PCR assay for detection of Tropheryma whipplei: 10 years' experience in a National Reference Laboratory

J Clin Microbiol. 2013 Nov;51(11):3858-61. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01703-13. Epub 2013 Aug 21.

Abstract

The performance of a real-time PCR assay targeting the Tropheryma whipplei rpoB gene was evaluated using test strains and 1,236 clinical specimens in a national reference laboratory. The novel rpoB-PCR assay proved to be specific, revealed improved analytical sensitivity, and substantially accelerated detection of T. whipplei DNA in clinical specimens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors
  • Tropheryma / genetics
  • Tropheryma / isolation & purification*
  • Whipple Disease / diagnosis*
  • Whipple Disease / microbiology

Substances

  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases
  • RNA polymerase beta subunit