Highly sensitive quantitative PCR for the detection and differentiation of Pseudogymnoascus destructans and other Pseudogymnoascus species

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2014 Mar;80(5):1726-31. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02897-13. Epub 2013 Dec 27.

Abstract

White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that has decimated bat populations across eastern North America. Identification of the etiologic agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (formerly Geomyces destructans), in environmental samples is essential to proposed management plans. A major challenge is the presence of closely related species, which are ubiquitous in many soils and cave sediments and often present in high abundance. We present a dual-probe real-time quantitative PCR assay capable of detecting and differentiating P. destructans from closely related fungi in environmental samples from North America. The assay, based on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) specific to P. destructans, is capable of rapid low-level detection from various sampling media, including sediment, fecal samples, wing biopsy specimens, and skin swabs. This method is a highly sensitive, high-throughput method for identifying P. destructans, other Pseudogymnoascus spp., and Geomyces spp. in the environment, providing a fundamental component of research and risk assessment for addressing this disease, as well as other ecological and mycological work on related fungi.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Ascomycota / classification*
  • Ascomycota / genetics
  • Ascomycota / isolation & purification*
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics
  • Environmental Microbiology*
  • Mycology / methods*
  • North America
  • Oligonucleotide Probes / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal
  • Oligonucleotide Probes