Polymerase chain reaction detection of Haemophilus ducreyi DNA. Issue 1 (February 1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roesel, D J; Gwanzura, L; Mason, P R; Joffe, M; Katzenstein, D A
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 74:Issue 1(1998)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 1998-02
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.74.1.63
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVES: To develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to detect Haemophilus ducreyi DNA in cultured isolates and clinical material. METHODS: Primers specific to the H ducreyi 16s rRNA gene were synthesised. PCR conditions were optimised and products were verified by restriction endonuclease digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The method was able to detect all 28 H ducreyi strains tested; specificity was demonstrated using lysates of 12 related organisms. Applied to clinical samples from genital ulcer swabs obtained in Harare, Zimbabwe, H ducreyi DNA was detected in repeated assays in 35 clinical samples. CONCLUSION: PCR amplification using primers from the 16s rRNA gene may be a useful alternative to culture for the detection of H ducreyi and the diagnosis of chancroid.