High-resolution melt curve analysis: A real-time based multipurpose approach for diagnosis and epidemiological investigations of parasitic infections

Abstract

BackgroundReal-time PCR coupled with high resolution melting curve analysis is a practical technique that could be employed in multipurpose studies. During the recent decade, this technique has been practiced for different targets, worldwide. MethodsIn the current study three major database centers consisted of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched until Aug 2019 for applications of HRM real-time PCR in parasitology studies using terms: “Parasite” AND “HRM real-time PCR” OR “High Resolution Melting curve analysis” OR “Real-time PCR”, “Protozoan parasites” AND “HRM real-time PCR” OR “High Resolution Melting curve analysis” OR “Real-time PCR”, “Helminth” AND “HRM real-time PCR” OR “High Resolution Melting curve analysis” OR “Real-time PCR”. ResultsTotally, 83 papers met our criteria and were included in our study. This method was more frequently used for protozoan parasites (52/83; 62.65%), while lower (31/83; 37.35%) studies were incorporated on helminths parasites. Furthermore, Plasmodium spp., and Leishmania spp., were the most prevalent protozoan parasites, and Taenia spp., and filers were the most frequent helminths that were studied by HRM real-time PCR. ConclusionHRM real-time PCR is a sensitive, flexible and cost-effective method that could be used for multipurpose studies.