A comparison of flocked swabs and traditional swabs, using multiplex real-time PCR for detection of common gastroenteritis pathogens in Botswana

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2016 Oct;86(2):141-3. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2016.07.007. Epub 2016 Jul 8.

Abstract

We compared the performance of flocked and matched traditional rectal swabs collected from 236 children admitted with gastroenteritis in Botswana. All samples were tested using real time multiplex-PCR assays for nine enteric pathogens. There was a 20% higher detection of Shigella from flocked swabs, but most other pathogens had similar detection rates.

Keywords: Flocked swabs; Gastroenteritis; McNemar exact test; Multiplex PCR; Shigella; Threshold cycle.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Botswana
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Parasites / classification
  • Parasites / isolation & purification
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specimen Handling / methods*
  • Viruses / classification
  • Viruses / isolation & purification