A Pentaplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection of Four Species of Soil-Transmitted Helminths

作者:Basuni Madihah; Muhi Jamail; Othman Nurulhasanah; Verweij Jaco J; Ahmad Maimunah; Miswan Noorizan; Rahumatullah Anizah; Aziz Farhanah Abdul; Zainudin Nurul Shazalina; Noordin Rahmah*
来源:The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2011, 84(2): 338-343.
DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0499

摘要

Soil-transmitted helminth infections remain a major public health burden in low- and middle-income countries.The traditional diagnosis by microscopic examination of fecal samples is insensitive and time-consuming. In this study, a pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated for the simultaneous detection of Ancylostoma, Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional parasitological diagnostic methods. Real-time PCR was positive in 48 of 77 samples (62.3%) and microscopic examination was positive in six samples (7.8%) only (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the real-time PCR assay described in this study provides a specific and sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of these four helminth species in epidemiological studies and monitoring of treatment programs.

  • 出版日期2011-2