Bartonella rochalimae Detection by a Sensitive and Specific PCR Platform

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018 Oct;99(4):840-843. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0740.

Abstract

Bartonella rochalimae is an emerging zoonotic pathogen present in the United States, South America, and Europe. The molecular detection of B. rochalimae frequently relies on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays that target the genus Bartonella coupled with DNA sequencing for species determination. However, the presence of other Bartonella spp. in the sample being tested may result in false-negative results for B. rochalimae, especially when Sanger sequencing is used. We developed a sensitive and specific quantitative PCR platform for B. rochalimae by targeting the intergenic transcribed spacer, gltA, and rpoB genes, which are recommended for subtyping characterization. This PCR platform achieved the limit of detection between five and 10 genomic equivalents per reaction and did not amplify DNA from other Bartonella species or selected hosts. This PCR platform is a fast and cost-effective option to be used in epidemiological evaluations of reservoirs and vectors and in detecting and quantifying B. rochalimae infection in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Typing Techniques / methods*
  • Bacterial Typing Techniques / standards
  • Bartonella / classification
  • Bartonella / genetics*
  • Bartonella / isolation & purification
  • Bartonella Infections / diagnosis
  • Bartonella Infections / microbiology
  • DNA Primers / chemistry
  • DNA Primers / metabolism
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics*
  • DNA, Bacterial / metabolism
  • DNA, Intergenic / genetics*
  • DNA, Intergenic / metabolism
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / genetics*
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • DNA, Intergenic
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases