Antibody-free detection of infectious bacteria using quantum dots-based barcode assay

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2017 Feb 5:134:325-332. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2016.10.025. Epub 2016 Nov 5.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the most representative bacteria causing infectious diseases. Due to the increased application of antibiotics, the bacterial resistance is growing causing severe complications. Therefore, a sensitive determination of these pathogens is crucial for effective treatment. The aim of this study was to design an effective method for multiplex detection of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae taking advantage from properties of magnetic particles as well as fluorescent nanoparticles (quantum dots). The method was able to detect as low concentrations of bacteria as 102 CFU/mL using the bacteria-specific genes (fnbA, mecA and wcaG).

Keywords: Barcode; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Magnetic particles; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Quantum dots; Staphylococcus aureus.

MeSH terms

  • DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic / methods*
  • Humans
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / chemistry*
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / genetics
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Quantum Dots / chemistry*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / chemistry*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / genetics