In this study we pursued a diagnostic target in Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) by using qualitative Realtime PCR combined with proprietary DNA primers and a hydrolysis probe specific for this fungal target. Qualitative Realtime PCR is a diagnostic tool that utilizes Realtime PCR technology and detects the presence or absence target specific DNA within a predetermined detection range. Respiratory ti...

A standardized molecular test for the detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would assist the further assessment of the association of C. pneumoniae with multiple sclerosis (MS). We developed and validated a qualitative colorimetric microtiter plate-based PCR assay (PCR-EIA) and a real-time quantitative PCR assay (TaqMan) for detection of C. pneumoniae DNA in CSF...

We evaluated the artus RealArt Parvovirus B19 LC PCR reagent (artus biotech USA, San Francisco, Calif.) for real-time PCR detection of parvovirus B19 DNA by retesting 71 specimens previously submitted to our laboratory. The artus assay, which produces a quantitative result and provides an internal PCR control, appeared to be slightly more sensitive than our conventional qualitative PCR assay.

Immunosuppressive status in solid organ transplant recipients is often related to the reactivation of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection that remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the early detection of HCMV followed by infection monitoring is important to institute prompt and appropriate treatment. In recent years good results have been obtained by HCMV DNA...

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) is a frequent cause of Community Acquired Pneumoniae (CAP). The etiological role of Mp is usually suspected using serological assays, but the detection of specific anti-Mp antibodies becomes possible only 1-2 weeks after the primary infection. On the contrary, direct diagnosis using real-time PCR allows an efficient detection of Mp DNA in all the phases of the infecti...

S. Broeders*, I. Huber, L. Grohmann, G. Berben, I. Taverniers, M. Mazzara, N. Roosens and D. Morisset Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium (Tel.: D32 2 6425425; fax: D32 2 6425292; e-mails: [email protected]; nancy.roosens@ wiv-isp.be) Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Veterin€arstraße 2, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germ...