Cost-effective pooling of DNA from nasopharyngeal swab samples for large-scale detection of bacteria by real-time PCR

J Clin Microbiol. 2015 Mar;53(3):1002-4. doi: 10.1128/JCM.03609-14. Epub 2014 Dec 31.

Abstract

We investigated the potential of pooling DNA from nasopharyngeal specimens to reduce the cost of real-time PCR (RT-PCR) for bacterial detection. Lyophilization is required to reconcentrate DNA. This strategy yields a high specificity (86%) and a high sensitivity (96%). We estimate that compared to individual testing, 37% fewer RT-PCR tests are needed.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / classification*
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics*
  • DNA, Bacterial / isolation & purification
  • Freeze Drying / economics
  • Freeze Drying / methods
  • Humans
  • Nasopharynx / microbiology*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / economics
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specimen Handling / economics
  • Specimen Handling / methods*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial