Melting temperature mapping method using imperfect-match linear long probes

Abstract

Identifying pathogenic microorganisms as early as possible is critical for selecting the appropriate antimicrobial therapy in infected patients. We previously reported the development of the Tm mapping method for identifying a broad range of pathogenic bacteria within 3 h of blood collection. However, the Tm mapping identification requires an analytical instrument with a tube-to-tube variation of no more than 0.1 °C, so we can only use a few instruments that have such high thermal accuracy. To address the problem, we developed the improved Tm mapping method using imperfect-match linear long quenching probes (IMLL Q-probes). Using IMLL Q-probes, almost all commercially available analytical instruments can be used for the Tm mapping method. Some bacterial species cannot be narrowed down to one species, but they can at least be narrowed down to the genus level. The Tm mapping method using IMLL Q-probes is useful for deciding on antimicrobial therapy in infected patients.