Specific Quantitative Real-time PCR Research Articles

Development of a novel sequence based real-time PCR assay for specific and sensitive detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei in clinical and environmental matrices

BackgroundMelioidosis, caused by the category B biothreat agent Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a disease with a high mortality rate and requires an immediate culture-independent diagnosis for effective disease management. In this study, we developed a highly sensitive qPCR assay for specific detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei and melioidosis disease diagnosis based on a novel target sequence.MethodsAn extensive in-silico analysis was done to identify a novel and highly conserved sequence for developing a qPCR assay. The specificity of the developed assay was analyzed with 65 different bacterial cultures, and the analytical sensitivity of the assay was determined with the purified genomic DNA of B. pseudomallei. The applicability of the assay for B. pseudomallei detection in clinical and environmental matrices was evaluated by spiking B. pseudomallei cells in the blood, urine, soil, and water along with suitable internal controls.ResultsA novel 85-nucleotide-long sequence was identified using in-silico tools and employed for the development of the highly sensitive and specific quantitative real-time PCR assay S664. The assay S664 was found to be highly specific when evaluated with 65 different bacterial cultures related and non-related to B. pseudomallei. The assay was found to be highly sensitive, with a detection limit of 3 B. pseudomallei genome equivalent copies per qPCR reaction. The detection limit in clinical matrices was found to be 5 × 102 CFU/mL for both human blood and urine. In environmental matrices, the detection limit was found to be 5 × 101 CFU/mL of river water and 2 × 103 CFU/gm of paddy field soil.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study suggest that the developed assay S664 along with suitable internal controls has a huge diagnostic potential and can be successfully employed for specific, sensitive, and rapid molecular detection of B. pseudomallei in various clinical and environmental matrices.

A highly sensitive and specific Homo1-based real-time qPCR method for quantification of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in rats.

Owing to the characteristics of easier access in vitro, low immunogenicity, and high plasticity, human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are considered as a promising cell-based drugs for clinical application. No internationally recognized technology exists to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and distribution of cell-based drugs in vivo. We determined the human-specific gene sequence, Homo1, from differential fragments Homo sapiens mitochondrion and Rattus norvegicus mitochondrion. The expression of Homo1 was utilized to determine the distribution of UC-MSCs in the normal and diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. We observed a significant correlation between the number of UC-MSCs and the expression level of Homo1. Following intravenous transplantation, the blood levels of UC-MSCs peaked at 30 min. A large amount of intravenously injected MSCs were trapped in the lungs, but the number of them decreased rapidly after 24 h. Additionally, the distribution of UC-MSCs in the kidneys of DN rats was significantly higher than that of normal rats. In this study, we establish a highly sensitive and specific Homo1-based real-time quantitative PCR method to quantify the distribution of human UC-MSCs in rats. The method provides guidelines for the safety research of cells in preclinical stages.

Polyphasic molecular approach to the characterization of methanogens in the saliva of Tunisian adults

ObjectivesMethanogenic archaea are a minor component of human oral microbiota. Due to their relatively low abundance, the detection of these neglected microorganisms is challenging. This study concerns the presence of methanogens in salivary samples collected from Tunisian adults to evaluate their prevalence and burden using a polyphasic molecular approach. MethodsA total of 43 saliva samples were included. Metagenomic and standard 16S rRNA sequencing were performed as an initial screening to detect the presence of methanogens in the oral microbiota of Tunisian adults. Further investigations were performed using specific quantitative real-time PCR targeting Methanobrevibacter oralis and Methanobrevibacter smithii. ResultsMethanobrevibacter was detected in 5/43 (11.62 %) saliva samples after metagenomic 16S rRNA data analysis. The presence of M. oralis was confirmed in 6/43 samples by standard 16S rRNA sequencing. Using real-time PCR, methanogens were detected in 35/43 (81.39 %) samples, including 62.79 % positive for M. oralis and 76.74 % positive for M. smithii. These findings reflect the high prevalence of both methanogens, revealed by the high sensitivity of the real-time PCR approach. Interestingly, we also noted a significant statistical association between the detection of M. smithii and poor adherence to a Mediterranean diet, indicating the impact of diet on M. smithii prevalence. ConclusionOur study showed the presence of methanogens in the oral microbiota of Tunisian adults with an unprecedented relatively high prevalence. Choice of methodology is also central to picturing the real prevalence and diversity of such minor taxa in the oral microbiota.

Molecular detection of Aphanomyces astaci – An improved species specific qPCR assay

The parasitic oomycete Aphanomyces astaci is the causative agent of crayfish plague, a devastating disease for European freshwater crayfish. Species specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) can offer rapid detection of the pathogen. However, the well established A. astaci qPCR assay recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) amplifies the recently described Aphanomyces fennicus. Consequently, false-positive results may occur. This calls for the improvement of the established species specific A. astaci qPCR assay in order to avoid amplifying A. fennicus while screening for A. astaci.We developed an improved species specific A. astaci qPCR assay and validated the assay across three laboratories, using established procedures including different qPCR master mixes for each respective laboratory. Genomic DNA from A. astaci, A. fennicus and closely related Aphanomyces spp. was analysed and compared with both the improved and established assay. Additionally, DNA from crayfish tissue and environmental samples were analysed with both assays. The improved assay showed similar sensitivity with the established assay for all sample types, while proving highly specific for A. astaci avoiding amplification of A. fennicus and the other tested Aphanomyces spp.Environmental DNA (eDNA) samples collected at River Lierelva in Norway amplified with the established assay, but not with the improved assay indicating false positive. We were able to sequence a 530 bp fragment of the ITS region from these eDNA samples and the consensus sequence showed 99.9–100 % pairwise identity with A. fennicus and 97.2–98 % pairwise identity with A. astaci, suggesting that the occurrence of A. fennicus is not limited to Finland, where it was first discovered.

Heterogeneity of TPIT expression in ACTH-secreting extra-pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) supports the existence of different cellular programs in pancreatic and pulmonary NETs.

Extra-pituitary ACTH secretion is associated with a variety of neoplastic conditions and may cause the so-called ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS). The clarification of the mechanisms of extra-pituitary ACTH expression would provide potential therapeutic targets for this complex and severe disease. In the adenohypophysis, the transcription factor TPIT, co-operating with other molecules, induces POMC expression and ACTH production. However, no data are currently available on the presence and role of TPIT expression in extra-pituitary ACTH-producing neoplasms. This study was designed to explore TPIT expression in a series of pulmonary and pancreatic ACTH-producing tumors, either CS-associated or not. Forty-one extra-pituitary ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) were included in the study, encompassing 32 NETs of the lung (LuNETs), 7 of the pancreas (PanNETs), and 2 pheochromocytomas. Of these, 9 LuNETs, all PanNETs, and the two pheochromocytomas were CS-associated. For comparison, 6 NETs of the pituitary gland (PitNETs; 3 ACTH-secreting and 3 ACTH-negative) and 35 ACTH-negative extra-pituitary NETs (15 Lu-NETs and 20 PanNETs) were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry with specific anti-TPIT antibodies and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed using standard protocols. TPIT expression was completely absent (protein and mRNA) in PanNETs, pheochromocytomas, and all ACTH-negative NETs. In contrast, it was expressed in 16/32 LuNETs, although with lower levels than in PitNETs. No definite relationship was found between immunohistochemistry TPIT expression and NET grade or the presence of Cushing syndrome. This study further highlights the clinical and biological heterogeneity of extra-pituitary ACTH secretion and suggests that the differences between ACTH-secreting PanNETs and LuNETs may mirror distinct molecular mechanisms underlying POMC expression. Our results point towards the recognition of a real corticotroph-like phenotype of ACTH-producing LuNETs, that is not a feature of ACTH-producing PanNETs.

Development of RT-qPCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the rapid detection of Rahnella aquatilis in fish

Rahnella aquatilis is widely recognized as an opportunistic pathogen of fish, but molecular detection and diagnostic techniques for it remain to be developed. In a previous study, we isolated the pathogenic R. aquatilis strain KCL-5 from diseased crucian carp Carassius auratus and identified it as a new fish pathogen causing enteritis and septicemia. Here, we describe novel real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the rapid and sensitive detection of R. aquatilis. Specific RT-qPCR and LAMP primers were developed for the outer membrane protein (OmpA) gene. Their reaction systems were optimized using the recombinant plasmid pMD18-T containing the OmpA gene and their specificities were confirmed using various bacterial fish pathogens including Aeromonas hydrophila, A. veronii, A. allosaccharophila, Yersinia ruckeri, Vibrio vulnificus, V. alfacsensis, Providencia rettgeri, and R. aquatilis. The sensitivities of the RT-qPCR and LAMP assays were further evaluated using serial dilutions of the positive recombinant plasmid pMD18-T/OmpA. Both the RT-qPCR and LAMP assays were able to reliably detect the presence of R. aquatilis with high accuracy and a specificity of 100%. The lowest detection limits of the RT-qPCR and LAMP assays were 2.3 copies/μL and 2.3 × 101 copies/μL, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of RT-qPCR and LAMP methods for R. aquatilis detection, and provides a means for its rapid detection and diagnosis in fish.

Application of quantitative real-time PCR to detect Mink Circovirus in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs in northern China.

Mink circovirus disease caused by Mink Circovirus (MiCV) is a serious infectious disease of mink that has become prevalent in recent years in China, severely affecting the reproductive performance of mink and causing significant economic losses to farms. To date, there have been few studies on MiCV, its pathogenic mechanism is not clear, and there is no effective vaccine or drug to prevent and control the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a rapid and reliable molecular diagnostic method, which would aid future studies of this novel virus. In our study, we developed a sensitive and specific TaqMan-based quantitative real-time PCR assay targeting the MiCV Cap gene. The assay showed no cross-reaction with other tested animal viruses. The assay is highly sensitive, with a detection limit of as low as 10 plasmid DNA copies and 2.38 × 10-2 pg of viral DNA. The intra and inter--assay coefficients of variation were both low. The positive detection rate of MiCV in clinical samples from minks, foxes, and raccoon dogs were 58.8% (133/226), 50.7% (72/142), and 42.2% (54/128), respectively, giving a total positive detection rate of 52.2% (259/496). Higher contamination levels were observed in samples from the environment in direct or indirect contact with animals, with a total positive detection rate of 75.1% (220/293). These epidemiological results showed that minks, foxes, and raccoon dogs had high infection rates of MiCV. This was also the first study to detect MiCV on the ground and equipment of fur-bearing animal farms. Our assay is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis and quantification of MiCV, and should provide a reliable real-time tool for epidemiological and pathogenetic study of MiCV infection.

Establishment and preliminary application of quantitative real-time PCR assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic nucleocapsid RNA

Objective: To establish a rapid and specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic nucleocapsid RNA (SgN) in patients with COVID-19 or environmental samples. Methods: The qPCR assay was established by designing specific primers and TaqMan probe based on the SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence in Global Initiative of Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database. The reaction conditions were optimized by using different annealing temperature, different primers and probe concentrations and the standard curve was established. Further, the specificity, sensitivity and repeatability were also assessed. The established SgN and genomic RNA (gRNA) qPCR assays were both applied to detect 21 environmental samples and 351 clinical samples containing 48 recovered patients. In the specimens with both positive gRNA and positive SgN, 25 specimens were inoculated on cells. Results: The primers and probes of SgN had good specificity for SARS-CoV-2. The minimum detection limit of the preliminarily established qPCR detection method for SgN was 1.5×102 copies/ml, with a coefficient of variation less than 1%. The positive rate of gRNA in 372 samples was 97.04% (361/372). The positive rates of SgN in positive environmental samples and positive clinical samples were 36.84% (7/19) and 49.42% (169/342), respectively. The positive rate and copy number of SgN in Wild strain were lower than those of SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain. Among the 25 SgN positive samples, 12 samples within 5 days of sampling time were all isolated with virus; 13 samples sampled for more than 12 days had no cytopathic effect. Conclusion: A qPCR method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 SgN has been successfully established. The sensitivity, specificity and repeatability of this method are good.

Unravelling the diversity of Anaplasma species circulating in selected African wildlife hosts by targeted 16S microbiome analysis

Organisms in the genus Anaplasma are obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria. Bovine anaplasmosis, predominantly caused by Anaplasma marginale, is the most prevalent tick-borne disease (TBD) of cattle worldwide. Other Anaplasma species are known to cause disease; these include A. ovis, A. platys in dogs, A. capra in goats and humans, and A. phagocytophilum in humans. The rapid advancement of next-generation sequencing technologies has led to the discovery of many novel sequences ascribed to the genus Anaplasma, with over 20 putative new species being proposed since the last formal organization of the genus. Most 16S rRNA gene surveys for Anaplasma were conducted on cattle and to a lesser extent on rodents, dogs, and ticks. Little is known about the occurrence, diversity, or impact of Anaplasma species circulating in wildlife species. Therefore, we conducted a 16S rRNA gene survey with the goal of identifying Anaplasma species in a variety of wildlife species in the Kruger National Park and neighbouring game reserves, using an unbiased 16S rRNA gene microbiome approach. An Anaplasma/Ehrlichia-group specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay revealed the presence of Anaplasma and/or Ehrlichia species in 70.0% (21/30) of African buffalo, 86.7% (26/30) of impala, 36.7% (11/30) of greater kudu, 3.2% (1/31) of African wild dog, 40.6% (13/32) of Burchell's zebra, 43.3% (13/30) of warthog, 22.6% (7/31) of spotted hyena, 40.0% (12/30) of leopard, 17.6% (6/34) of lion, 16.7% (5/30) of African elephant and 8.6% (3/35) of white rhinoceros samples. Microbiome sequencing data from the qPCR positive samples revealed four 16S rRNA sequences identical to previously published Anaplasma sequences, as well as nine novel Anaplasma 16S genotypes. Our results reveal a greater diversity of putative Anaplasma species circulating in wildlife than currently classified within the genus. Our findings highlight a potential expansion of the Anaplasma host range and the need for more genetic information from other important genes or genome sequencing of putative novel species for correct classification and further assessment of their occurrence in wildlife, livestock and companion animals.

The Combination of JAK2V617F Allele Burden and WT1 Expression can Be Helpful in Distinguishing the Subtype of MPN Patients.

Classical Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) includes Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), Polycythemia Vera (PV) and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF). The JAK2V617F mutation is part of the major criteria for diagnosis of MPN. WT1 is reported to be highly overexpressed in most hematological malignancy. Our aim was to explore the combination value of JAK2V617F allele burden and WT1 expression in distinguishing the subtype of MPN patients. Allele specific real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR (AS-qPCR) was conducted to detect JAK2V617F allele burden. WT1 expression was assessed by RQ-PCR. Our study is a retrospective study. JAK2V617F allele burden and WT1 expression were different in MPN subgroups. The expression of WT1 in PMF and PV is higher than in ET. JAK2V617F allele burden in PMF and PV is also higher than in ET. ROC analysis indicated that combination of JAK2V617F allele burden and WT1 expression to discriminate ET and PV, ET and PMF, PV and PMF is 0.956, 0.871, 0.737 respectively. Furthermore, their ability to distinguish ET patients with high Hb levels from PV patients with high platelet counts is 0.891. Our data revealed that combination of JAK2V617F allele burden and WT1 expression is useful in distinguishing the subtype of MPN patients.

Quantitative PCR reveals the frequency and distribution of 3 indigenous yeast species across a range of specialty cheeses.

Indigenous microorganisms are important components of the complex ecosystem of many dairy foods including cheeses, and they are potential contributors to the development of a specific cheese's sensory properties. Among these indigenous microorganisms are the yeasts Cyberlindnera jadinii, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Kazachstania servazzii, which were previously detected using traditional microbiological methods in both raw milk and some artisanal specialty cheeses produced in the province of Québec, Canada. However, their levels across different cheese varieties are unknown. A highly specific and sensitive real-time quantitative PCR assay was developed to quantitate these yeast species in a variety of specialty cheeses (bloomy-rind, washed-rind, and natural-rind cheeses from raw, thermized, and pasteurized milks). The specificity of the quantitative PCR assay was validated, and it showed no cross-amplification with 11 other fungal microorganisms usually found in bloomy-rind and washed-rind cheeses. Cyberlindnera jadinii and P. kudriavzevii were found in the majority of the cheeses analyzed (25 of 29 and 24 of 29 cheeses, respectively) in concentrations up to 104 to 108 gene copies/g in the cheese cores, which are considered oxygen-poor environments, and 101 to 104 gene copies/cm2 in the rind. However, their high abundance was not observed in the same samples. Whereas C. jadinii was present and dominant in all core and rind samples, P. kudriavzevii was mostly present in cheese cores. In contrast, K. servazzii was present in the rinds of only 2 cheeses, in concentrations ranging from 101 to 103 gene copies/cm2, and in 1 cheese core at 105 gene copies/g. Thus, in the ecosystems of specialty cheeses, indigenous yeasts are highly frequent but variable, with certain species selectively present in specific varieties. These results shed light on some indigenous yeasts that establish during the ripening of specialty cheeses.

Using environmental DNA method to clarify the distribution of Pampus echinogaster in the East China Sea

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is becoming a potentially valuable survey technique to monitor marine organisms, especially when the research spans wide-ranging temporal or spatial dimensions. Pampus echinogaster plays an important role in China’s marine fisheries. However, the stock of P. echinogaster is gradually declining, so the fishery protection and management of P. echinogaster are becoming crucial. To achieve the non-invasive and large-scale monitoring of P. echinogaster, we developed a specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method based on eDNA technology. Results showed that positive signals of P. echinogaster eDNA were successfully detected at 36 sites (82% of the total) in the East China Sea. Significant differences in eDNA concentrations between the southern and northern stations in the East China Sea suggested differences between the life histories of P. echinogaster in these two sea areas. The hotspot was found around the central areas of the East China Sea, especially around the Taizhou seawater (Jiaojiang Estuary). Vertical distribution showed that the eDNA hotspots were primarily concentrated in the middle and upper layers (0–40 m). The distribution results of eDNA hotspots were similar to those of previous findings through motor–trawl capture, indicating the validity of the eDNA results. The relationship between environmental factors and the eDNA concentration showed that PO43-− was significantly correlated with the P. echinogaster eDNA concentration. Overall, our study indicated that the eDNA approach was an effective survey method and can be used as a monitoring tool. We advocate this monitoring approach as supplementary means to guide the management and conservation of large-scale sea areas and thus enable the initially surveying to provide the best information about species-specific distribution.

Highly specific, amplification-free, single-molecule counting of rare methylated DNA cancer biomarkers

DNA methylation is commonly associated with gene silencing. Recent studies have observed a significantly higher proportion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in CpG dinucleotides in certain circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) loci, as well as correlations between methylation fraction and cancer progression. Therefore, 5mC represents a cancer biomarker with great potential for liquid biopsy. The gold standard to detect 5mC is bisulfite treatment to convert unmethylated C into U, followed by quantification with methylation specific real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Detection of Airborne Inoculum of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus: The Causal Agent of Ash Dieback.

The inoculum of H. fraxineus consists mainly of ascospores released from apothecia which are growing on fallen leaves infected during the previous year. The ascospores can be detected in various manners due to their high concentration in the air during the main sporulation season, which corresponds to astronomic summer. This methodology is focused on one of the methods which have been successfully used. It employs a cheap, but highly efficient rotating arm air sampler and a specific quantitative real-time PCR method for the quantification of the air samples. The methodology is accompanied by lots of detailed theoretical and practical notes for its smooth application, including mentioning other alternatives.

Genotyping Sri Lankan women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): towards a novel screening tool.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the multigenic, endocrine disorder of young women. Inheritance of PCOS is likely to be oligogenic and genetic basis remains largely unknown. Screening the candidate genes of PCOS and their SNPs individually is time consuming. Hence, developing a tool that would help in screening multiple candidate genes simultaneously is essential to determine the exact genetic basis of PCOS. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a simple and cost-effective genetic screening tool to simultaneously genotype 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PCOS. Methods: The genetic screening tool was developed using allele specific real time quantitative PCR (AS-qPCR) in 96 well PCR plate. Eight SNPs identified in our previous study as well as 8 SNPs identified from other reported studies that had a strong association in the etiology of PCOS were used to develop the tool. Samples from our previous study were reanalyzed using the developed genetic screening tool. Genetic screening tool results were validated with Sanger sequencing. Results: Totally 10 AS-qPCR runs (160 reactions = 16SNPs*10runs) were performed using the developed tool and all except 3 genotype results agreed with Sanger sequencing. The tool showed 100% specificity and 96% sensitivity. Conclusion: The developed genetic screening tool has excellent potential in determining the genotype of multiple SNPs of PCOS simultaneously. This tool is highly suitable for developing countries as a cost effective and accurate early genetic screening test for PCOS. Thus, provides a reliable, fast and user-friendly genotyping method facilitating a wider implication in clinical practice.

A novel RHCE*cE allele identified in a Chinese individual, encodes weakened expression of c and E antigens

A novel RHCE*cE allele identified in a Chinese individual, encodes weakened expression of c and E antigens

Factors Predicting the Presence of Maternal Cells in Cord Blood and Associated Changes in Immune Cell Composition.

BackgroundCord blood (CB) samples are increasingly used as a source of hematopoietic stem cells in transplantation settings. Maternal cells have been detected in CB samples and their presence is associated with a better graft outcome. However, we still do not know what influences the presence of maternal microchimerism (MMc) in CB samples and whether their presence influences CB hematopoietic cell composition.Patients and MethodsHere we test whether genetic, biological, anthropometric and/or obstetrical parameters influence the frequency and/or quantity of maternal Mc in CB samples from 55 healthy primigravid women. Mc was evaluated by targeting non-shared, non-inherited Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-specific real-time quantitative PCR in whole blood and four cell subsets (T, B lymphocytes, granulocytes and/or hematopoietic progenitor cells). Furthermore CB samples were analyzed for their cell composition by flow cytometry and categorized according to their microchimeric status.ResultsMMc was present in 55% of CB samples in at least one cell subset or whole blood, with levels reaching up to 0.3% of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Two factors were predictive of the presence of MMc in CB samples: high concentrations of maternal serological Pregnancy-Associated-Protein-A at first trimester of pregnancy (p=0.018) and feto-maternal HLA-A and/or –DR compatibility (p=0.009 and p=0.01 respectively). Finally, CB samples positive for MMc were significantly enriched in CD56+ cells compared to CB negative for MMc.ConclusionsWe have identified two factors, measurable at early pregnancy, predicting the presence of maternal cells in CB samples at delivery. We have shown that MMc in CB samples could have an influence on the hematopoietic composition of fetal cells. CD56 is the phenotypic marker of natural killer cells (NK) and NK cells are known to be the main effector for graft versus leukemia reactions early after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These results emphasize the importance of MMc investigation for CB banking strategies.

Search for viral agents in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with multiple sclerosis using real-time PCR and metagenomics.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system of unclear etiology, but there is some evidence that viral infections could be responsible for triggering autoimmune mechanisms against myelin. We searched for viral RNA and DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 34 MS patients and 13 controls using RT-PCR/PCR against common neurotropic viruses. In addition, shotgun DNA- and RNA-based metagenomics were done in 13 MS patients and 4 controls. Specific quantitative real-time RT-PCR/PCR testing revealed the presence of viral nucleic acid in seven (20.59%) MS patients and in one (7.69%) control patient. In MS patients the most frequently detected was human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6; 3 cases; 8.82%); followed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV; 2 cases; 5.88%), varicella zoster virus (VZV; 1 case; 2.94%) and Enterovirus (EV; 1 case; 2.94%). The single identified virus among controls was EBV (7.69%). DNA and RNA metagenomic assays did not identify any known eukaryotic viruses even though three of the analyzed samples were low-level positive by specific quantitative real-time PCR. In conclusion, we detected the presence of Herpesviridae and occasionally Enteroviridae in CSF from patients with MS but their prevalence was not significantly higher than among controls. Metagenomic analysis seems to be less sensitive than real-time RT-PCR/PCR and it did not detect any potential viral pathogens.

A highly sensitive and specific real-time quantitative PCR for BRAF V600E/K mutation screening

Mutations that lead to constitutive activation of key regulators in cellular processes are one of the most important drivers behind vigorous growth of cancer cells, and are thus prime targets in cancer treatment. BRAF V600E mutation transduces strong growth and survival signals for cancer cells, and is widely present in various types of cancers including lung cancer. A combination of BRAF inhibitor (dabrafenib) and MEK inhibitor (trametinib) has recently been approved and significantly improved the survival of patients with advanced NSCLC harboring BRAF V600E/K mutation. To improve the detection of BRAF V600E/K mutation and investigate the incidence and clinicopathological features of the mutation in lung cancer patients of southern Taiwan, a highly sensitive and specific real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) method, able to detect single-digit copies of mutant DNA, was established and compared with BRAF V600E-specific immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the BRAF V600E mutation was present at low frequency (0.65%, 2/306) in the studied patient group, and the detection sensitivity and specificity of the new RT-qPCR and V600E-specific immunohistochemistry both reached 100% and 97.6%, respectively. Screening the BRAF V600E/K mutation with the RT-qPCR and V600E-specific immunohistochemistry simultaneously could help improve detection accuracy.

Assessment of the exposure to Echinococcus multilocularis associated with carnivore faeces using real-time quantitative PCR and flotation technique assays

The eggs of Echinococcus multilocularis, the infectious stage, are spread into the environment through wild and domestic carnivore faeces. The spatial location of the faeces containing infective E. multilocularis eggs is a key parameter for studying areas of exposure and understanding the transmission processes to the intermediate hosts and humans. Echinococcus multilocularis faecal prevalence is often assessed by detecting E. multilocularis DNA, not necessarily eggs. This work aimed to determine the percentage of faeces containing E. multilocularis eggs in a rural town and its surroundings and whether this level of precision is relevant in assessing exposure to E. multilocularis. For this purpose, we developed a combined molecular and microscopic approach to investigate the E. multilocularis exposure of potential hosts in the environment from field-collected carnivore faeces. Carnivore defecation patterns were then spatialized to study the spatial distribution of E. multilocularis. Faeces were screened for E. multilocularis DNA using a specific real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Echinococcus multilocularis eggs were morphologically identified from E. multilocularis-specific qPCR-positive faeces after sucrose flotation and individually confirmed through specific PCR and sequencing. The spatial distribution of E. multilocularis was studied using Kulldorff statistics. Echinococcus multilocularis eggs were identified mostly in fox faeces positive for E. multilocularis DNA by qPCR (n = 27/70) and only from 1 of 15 copro-samples from dogs and 1 of 5 from cats. The faecal prevalence of E. multilocularis DNA and eggs was overdispersed, with the same geographical patterns. These data suggest that E. multilocularis DNA and/or egg detection in carnivore faeces, mainly that of foxes, is appropriate in ecological studies of E. multilocularis transmission.