The amount of spores that needs to be added to yield this Cq should be determined for each new batch as it will vary with each new spore stock, and the DNA extraction protocol used. The observed inhibition highlights that multiplex qPCR can be problematic if it is used for the detection of mixed pathogens present in different quantities as amplification of targets from a dominant organism could inhibit the detection of an uncommon pathogen. Assays for the detection of single targets from multiple pathogens simultaneously, such as that described for B. anthracis, F. tularensis and Y. pestis detection [23], should therefore be carefully evaluated for this inhibition effect.
Environmental testing Application of the multiplex qPCR assays directly on human specimens or environmental samples could save time and prevent loss of DNA during extraction. However, we use the assays only after a 17-AAG datasheet DNA extraction protocol, in order to prevent unanticipated inhibition by diverse matrices.
Our laboratory has compared several commercially available DNA extraction kits for use in a BSL3 facility, and selected one that combined efficient DNA extraction with ease-of-use and applicability in the restricted BSL3 environment. We this website have been using the developed qPCRs for the analysis of samples suspected for the presence of these pathogens with B. thuringiensis spores added before DNA extraction under BSL3 biosafety conditions. Hundreds of samples containing all sorts of solid materials and liquids have been analyzed without yielding false positive readings. Conclusion The multiplex qPCR assays that were developed for B. anthracis, F. tularensis and Y. pestis allow the rapid detection of 3 pathogen-specific targets simultaneously without compromising sensitivity.
Together with the application of an internal control for both DNA extraction and DNA amplification, this assures highly reliable detection, while template consumption and laboratory effort is kept at a minimum. These considerations selleck chemicals llc are particularly advantageous in the context of biothreat samples which may be used for additional tests and for surge capacity during an outbreak. The detection of multiple targets decreases the chance of false-positive and false-negative results and provides additional information about virulence. Methods Selection signature sequences An initial selection of potential signature sequences for specific detection of B. anthracis, F. tularensis and Y. pestis was based on previous reports and on the availability of sequences through public databases (NCBI/EMBL). The selection was based on functional and on technical criteria. Since 4 reporter dyes can be reliably differentiated by using qPCR instruments, and 1 channel was reserved for the internal control, we selected 3 signature sequences per organism.