Detection of Lymnaea columella infection by Fasciola hepatica through Multiplex-PCR

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2004 Jun;99(4):421-4. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762004000400013. Epub 2004 Aug 13.

Abstract

From complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of Fasciola hepatica available in Genbank, specific primers were designed for a conserved and repetitive region of this trematode. A pair of primers was used for diagnosis of infected Lymnaea columella by F. hepatica during the pre-patent period simultaneously with another pair of primers which amplified the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA from L. columella in a single Multiplex-PCR. The amplification generated a ladder band profile specific for F. hepatica. This profile was observed in positive molluscs at different times of infection, including adult worms from the trematode. The Multiplex-PCR technique showed to be a fast and safe tool for fascioliasis diagnosis, enabling the detection of F. hepatica miracidia in L. columella during the pre-patent period and identification of transmission areas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Helminth / genetics
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / genetics
  • Fasciola hepatica / genetics
  • Fasciola hepatica / isolation & purification*
  • Lymnaea / genetics
  • Lymnaea / parasitology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards*

Substances

  • DNA, Helminth
  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer