Design and analytical validation of a duplex PCR for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia detection in ticks

Juan C. Pérez Pérez, Carolina Montoya Ruiz, Esteban Arroyave Sierra, Luis E. Paternina, Juan D. Rodas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Ehrlichia and Rickettsia are two major rickettsial genera transmitted by ticks that affect a number of wild and domestic animal species and human populations around the world. Objective: To design and validate a duplex PCR for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia in ticks. Methods: Assay validation included testing for sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and robustness of the PCR. The groEL and 23sr RNA genes were used for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, respectively. Results: The limit of detection was one hundred gene copies per 50 µL of reaction for Ehrlichia spp, and one gene copy of Rickettsia per 50 µL of reaction. In general, the primers of the test only amplified in silico those bacterial agents for which they were originally designed, with the exception of the primers for Rickettsia that also amplified Methylocystis sp. The test was reproducible (intermediate precision) 96.7% of the times for both agents. The test was robust enough to tolerate concentration changes of all reagents with the exception of Taq DNA polymerase. Conclusions: The validation results indicated that this PCR is useful for detection in both bacterial genera and it is a good candidate for diagnostic validation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)285-294
Number of pages10
JournalRevista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Exclusiveness
  • GroEL
  • Inclusiveness
  • Robustness
  • rRNA 23S

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • General Veterinary

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Design and analytical validation of a duplex PCR for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia detection in ticks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this