A real-time PCR assay for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by LightCycler

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2002 Feb;42(2):85-9. doi: 10.1016/s0732-8893(01)00326-1.

Abstract

The detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is now recognized as a sensitive and specific method of diagnosing infection by the organism. In this Study 152 urine specimens were examined for N. gonorrhoeae by a real-time PCR method using the LightCycler platform and results were compared to an "in-house" PCR assay using an ELISA-based detection method. N. gonorrhoeae DNA was detected in 29 (19%) specimens by LightCycler PCR (LC-PCR) and in 31 (20%) specimens by the "in house" PCR method. The LightCycler assay proved to be specific and 94% sensitive when compared to the "in house" PCR method. These features combined with the rapid turn-around time for results makes the LC-PCR particularly suitable for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae in a routine clinical laboratory.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Bacterial / urine*
  • Energy Transfer
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fluorescent Dyes*
  • Gonorrhea / diagnosis*
  • Gonorrhea / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / genetics
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / isolation & purification*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Fluorescent Dyes