Detection of Brucella melitensis in semen using the polymerase chain reaction assay

An evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Brucella melitensis DNA in bovine and ovine semen was performed. Since semen contains different components that inhibit PCR amplification, a protocol was used to purify Brucella-DNA from bovine and ovine semen samples prior to conducting amplification of the targeted DNA. When separated fractions of naturally Brucella contaminated semen were analyzed by the PCR, most of B. melitensis DNA were present in the seminal fluid and non-sperm fractions.The PCR examination results for detection of B. melitensis DNA in different semen fractions were compared with the results for traditional cultural methods of Brucella from semen. The PCR was more sensitive than the traditional cultural methods since it detected Brucella-DNA in 12 (10%) out of 120 semen samples while direct culture detected only 7 (5.8%) in the same semen samples. The limit of detection by PCR was 100 CFU/ml of semen. In addition, the results of PCR were available in one day, whereas isolation and identification of Brucella organisms required days or even weeks. The PCR may be used as a supplementary test for detection of B. melitensis in semen.     

多重PCR检测奶牛乳腺炎金黄色葡萄球菌、无乳链球菌、停乳链球菌和酵母菌方法的建立与应用

参照GenBank发表的序列，在金黄色葡萄球菌、无乳链球菌和停乳链球菌16SrRNA与23SrRNA之间的区域设计了3对引物，参照念珠菌和隐球菌的18SrRNA的序列设计1对引物，建立了检测金黄色葡萄球菌、无乳链球菌、停乳链球菌和酵母真菌4种乳腺炎主要致病菌的多重PCR方法。参照Skladny的方法制备模拟了细菌感染l临床标本。结果表明：本试验建立的多重PCR方法具有较好的特异性，多重PCR方法检测乳样中的金黄色葡萄球菌的细菌最小浓度为10^4CFU／mL，检测无乳链球菌、停乳链球菌和酵母真菌的细菌最小浓度分别为10^4CFU／mL、10^3CFU／mL和10^3CFU／mL。通过对采自临床型乳腺炎（46个）和隐性乳腺炎（167个）动物共计213个乳样分别用传统细菌学培养法和多重PCR方法进行检测，多重PCR对金黄色葡萄球菌和酵母真菌的检测具有更高的检出率（P〈0．01），但该方法对无乳链球菌和停乳链球菌的检出率与培养法差异不显著（P〉0．05）。     

Comparison of PCR assay and bacteriological culture method for the detection of Brucella melitensis in stomach content samples of aborted sheep fetuses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of Brucella melitensis in stomach content samples of aborted sheep fetuses and to compare its performance with bacteriological culture method. It was also aimed to determine the agreement between PCR and Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT). Materials were collected from aborted sheep from 109 different sheep flocks in the region of Van during the lambing seasons of 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. Stomach contents from 135 aborted sheep fetuses were examined by bacteriological culture and PCR, and 135 sera from these aborting ewes were tested by RBPT. Identification and typing of Brucella strains were performed using standard classification test. B. melitensis biovar 3 was isolated from 26 (19.2%) of foetal stomach contents. B. melitensis was detected by PCR in 29 (21.4%) stomach content samples. Twenty five sera (18.5%) from aborting ewes tested positive by RBPT. The detection limit of B. melitensis 16 M strain by PCR was 1.7 x 10(3) cfu (colony forming units) /ml in spiked stomach contents. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the PCR were detected as 100% and 97.2%, respectively. The agreement between PCR and RBPT was found to be 97%. In conclusion, PCR assay would have an advantage over conventional bacteriological culture method, but in particular for its ability to meet the specificity requirements for the detection of B. melitensis in stomach content samples of aborted sheep fetuses.     

Comparison of conventional and non-conventional techniques for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in Sudan

The objective of the present study was to detect brucellosis in suspected dairy cattle in Khartoum State, Sudan using the conventional serological tests and tests done on milk in comparison to a PCR-based technique. Milk and blood samples collected simultaneously from suspected brucellosis cows (n = 147) in 12 different dairy farms around Khartoum State were used in the study. Overall, 54 (36.7%) of the total milk samples were positive according to the milk ring test (MRT), while 29 (19.7%) of the serum samples were positive according to the Rose Bengal test (RBT); microscopy on modified Ziehl-Neelsen-stained slides detected 13.6% of the cases, and recovery of Brucella species on both Brucella medium and tryptic soya agar was 7.5%. Thirty-three (22.4%) samples were found positive on PCR-amplified IS711 which were then taken as positive brucellosis cases. The differences of RBT and PCR-IS711 from MRT were highly significant (P < 0.05). MRT detected more cases of bovine brucellosis compared to RBT, PCR, microscopy, and culture. MRT is recommended as a noninvasive test compared to RBT, and it is less expensive compared to PCR and culture.     

‘Nano-immuno test’ for the detection of live <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycobacterium avium</Emphasis> subspecies <Emphasis Type="Italic">paratuberculosis</Emphasis> bacilli in the milk samples using magnetic nano-particles and chromogen

Early rapid detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) bacilli in milk samples is the major challenge since traditional culture method is time consuming and laboratory dependent. We report a simple, sensitive and specific nano-technology based ‘Nano-immuno test’ capable of detecting viable MAP bacilli in the milk samples within 10 h. Viable MAP bacilli were captured by MAP specific antibody-conjugated magnetic nano-particles using resazurin dye as chromogen. Test was optimized using true culture positive (10-bovine and 12-goats) and true culture negative (16-bovine and 25-goats) raw milk samples. Domestic livestock species in India are endemically infected with MAP. After successful optimization, sensitivity and specificity of the ‘nano-immuno test’ in goats with respect to milk culture was 91.7% and 96.0%, respectively. Whereas, it was 90.0% (sensitivity) and 92.6% (specificity) with respect to IS900 PCR. In bovine milk samples, sensitivity and specificity of ‘nano-immuno test’ with respect to milk culture was 90.0% and 93.7%, respectively. However, with respect to IS900 PCR, the sensitivity and specificity was 88.9% and 94.1%, respectively. Test was validated with field raw milk samples (goats-258 and bovine-138) collected from domestic livestock species to detect live/viable MAP bacilli. Of 138 bovine raw milk samples screened by six diagnostic tests, 81 (58.7%) milk samples were positive for MAP infection in one or more than one diagnostic tests. Of 81 (58.7%) positive bovine raw milk samples, only 24 (17.4%) samples were detected positive for the presence of viable MAP bacilli. Of 258 goats raw milk samples screened by six diagnostic tests, 141 (54.6%) were positive for MAP infection in one or more than one test. Of 141 (54.6%) positive raw milk samples from goats, only 48 (34.0%) were detected positive for live MAP bacilli. Simplicity and efficiency of this novel ‘nano-immuno test’ makes it suitable for wide-scale screening of milk samples in the field. Standardization, validation and re-usability of functionalized nano-particles and the test was successfully achieved in field samples. Test was highly specific, simple to perform and easy to read by naked eyes and does not require laboratory support in the performance of test. Test has potential to be used as screening test to estimate bio-load of MAP in milk samples at National level.     

Use of polymerase chain reaction to detect Brucella abortus biovar 1 in infected goats

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to diagnose goat brucellosis and compare its sensitivity against some of the most commonly used serological and bacteriological techniques. Twenty two female and one male out of 300 clinically healthy, mixed-breed goats were randomly chosen from a ranch located at Marín, Nuevo León, Mexico. Milk and blood samples were taken from each animal and used to obtain both microbiological cultures and DNA of the pathogen, and sera was tested against Rose Bengal antigen (RBT). Results showed that 86% of the blood samples were positive on the PCR test, while 60% were positive on the serological test. The pathogen was isolated from only one blood culture. Sixty four percent of the milk samples were positive on PCR tests, but failed to yield bacteria in culture. Biochemical and PCR specific assay demonstrated that Brucella abortus biovar 1 was associated with the infection. This study demonstrates the higher sensitivity of PCR over RBT and blood culture and its potential towards a rapid identification of Brucella strains.     

Brucellae through the food chain: the role of sheep, goats and springbok (Antidorcus marsupialis) as sources of human infections in Namibia

A confirmed case of human brucellosis motivated an investigation into the potential source of infection in Namibia. Since domestic animals are principal sources of Brucella infection in humans, 1692 serum samples were screened from sheep, goats and cattle from 4 presumably at-risk farms and 900 springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) serum samples from 29 mixed farming units for Brucella antibodies by the Rose-Bengal test (RBT) and positive cases confirmed by complement fixation test (CFT). To assess the prevalence of human brucellosis, 137 abattoir employees were tested for Brucella antibodies using the standard tube agglutination test (STAT) and by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle and sheep from all 4 farms were negative by RBT and CFT but 2 of the 4 farms (Ba and C) had 26/42 and 12/285 seropositive goats, respectively. Post mortem examination of seropositive goats revealed no gross pathological lesions typical of brucellosis except enlarged mesenteric and iliac lymph nodes seen in a single buck. Culture for brucellae from organs of seropositive animals was negative. None of the wildlife sera tested positive by either RBT or CFT. Interviews revealed that besides the case that prompted the investigation, a family and another person from other farms with confirmed brucellosis shared a common history of consumption of unpasteurised goat milk, home-made goat cheese and coffee with raw milk and prior contact with goats, suggesting goats as the likely source of infection. All 137 abattoir employees tested negative by STAT, but 3 were positive by ELISA. The 3 abattoir workers were clinically normal and lacked historical connections with clinical cases. Although goats are often associated with B. melitensis, these studies could not explicitly implicate this species owing to cross-reactivity with B. abortus, which can also infect goats. Nevertheless, these data reinforce the need for a better National Control Programme for brucellosis in Namibia.     

Comparison of polymerase chain reaction and bacteriological culture for the diagnosis of sheep brucellosis using aborted fetus samples

PCR assay has been shown to be a promising option for the diagnosis of brucellosis. However, few studies have been performed with field samples in order to evaluate the assay as a diagnostic tool. In this study, routine use of a species-specific PCR assay previously developed for the identification of Brucella cultures was assessed for the detection of Brucella DNA directly from the stomach contents of aborted sheep fetuses. The assay is based on the insertion sequence IS711 in the Brucella chromosome. In the study, during 3 successive lambing seasons (1998-1999, 1999-2000 and 2000-2001) 126 aborted fetus samples each from different flocks and locations were examined. Brucella strains were isolated from 39 (31%) of the samples and all of the strains were identified as Brucella melitensis by biochemical characteristics, agglutination with monospecific A and M sera and PCR. Thirty-seven of 39 B. melitensis isolates were biotyped as biotype 3, and 2 isolates as biotype 1. From 38 of 39 culture positive fetal stomach contents B. melitensis-specific DNA was detected by PCR. PCR was found negative in all of the culture negative samples. Compared with culture, sensitivity and specificity of PCR were determined as 97.4 and 100%, respectively. The results indicate that this PCR procedure has a potential for use in routine diagnosis of sheep brucellosis.     

Comparison of direct culture versus PCR for the detection of Brucella in aborted fetuses of cattle and sheep in Turkey

The aim of this study was to detect Brucella in samples from aborted fetuses of sheep and cattle in Turkey using PCR and bacteriological analysis, and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the PCR. Organ homogenates from 38 aborted fetuses of cattle and 56 aborted fetuses of sheep were tested. All organ homogenates were cultured for bacteriological analysis, and all of the homogenates and the Brucella isolates obtained by culture were examined with a commercial PCR kit. On bacteriological analysis, Brucella species were found in 30 (31.9 per cent) of the 94 organ homogenates, eight (21.1 per cent) of which were from cattle and 22 (39.3 per cent) from sheep. Using PCR, a total of 29 (30.9 per cent) homogenates were positive for Brucella species, eight (21.1 per cent) of which were from cattle and 21 (37.5 per cent) from sheep. Compared with the bacteriological method, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the PCR kit used in this study were 83 per cent and 94 per cent, respectively.     

Application of a PCR assay to enhance the detection and identification of Tritrichomonas foetus in cultured preputial samples.

The traditional diagnostic test for Tritrichomonas foetus involves collection of preputial or vaginal samples followed by culture in a growth media and microscopic examination. Recently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques have been described for use as a diagnostic assay. The objective of this study was to evaluate a previously described PCR assay for detecting T. foetus in cultured preputial material. The detection limits of the assay for T. foetus organisms in a growth medium, in samples prepared from washing microscope slides, and in preputial material cultured in a growth medium were determined. Preputial samples were collected from 13 bulls uninfected with T. foetus. The PCR assay was able to detect 5 T. foetus organisms in the growth medium and the cultured preputial material. Amplification products were obtained from samples prepared from washes of microscope slides containing as few as 3 visualized organisms. The PCR assay was able to detect organisms in culture at a lower concentration than was possible by direct microscopic examination. This low detection limit may allow the PCR assay to be used to enhance the sensitivity of the current diagnostic test. In addition, the assay could be used to confirm the identification of T. foetus organisms observed by direct microscopic examination when other confirmation techniques, such as staining and phase microscopy, are not practical.     

Validation of a second generation competitive enzyme immunoassay (CELISA) for the diagnosis of brucellosis in various species of domestic animals

A second generation competitive enzyme immunoassay (CELISA) for detection of bovine antibody to Brucella abortus was developed to eliminate reagent variables in the assay. This assay was different from earlier CELISA formats in that it used recombinant protein A and protein G immunoglobulin receptors (PAG), labelled with horseradish peroxidase, thus eliminating the requirement for polyclonal anti-mouse-enzyme conjugate for detection. This allowed standardization of the assay. The CELISA uses a monoclonal antibody specific for a common epitope of the O-polysaccharide (OPS) of smooth lipopolysaccharide (SLPS) derived from B. abortus S1119.3. This antibody did not react with PAG. This monoclonal antibody was used to compete with antibody in the bovine test serum to the smooth lipopolysaccharide (SLPS) antigen. Reaction of bovine antibody was then measured directly with the PAG enzyme conjugate. In this case, development of colour in the reaction indicated a positive reaction. The performance characteristics of the new CELISA, sensitivity, specificity and exclusion of antibody of B. abortus S19 vaccinated animals, were very similar to those of the classical CELISA and to the indirect enzyme immunoassay (IELISA) when using sera deemed positive by isolation of the bacterium, either from individual animals or from some animals on the premises. All sera were tested by the buffered antigen plate agglutination test (BPAT) and the complement fixation test (CFT). Only samples positive on both BPAT and CFT were considered as positive and only samples negative on both tests were used considered negative. Sufficient samples from cattle, swine, sheep and goats to validate the test were included based on OIE guidelines suggesting inclusion of a minimum of 300 positive and 1000 negative samples.     

Peste des petits ruminants infection in domestic ruminants in Sudan

The existence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in domestic ruminants and camels in Sudan during 2008–2012 was investigated. Lung tissues and serum samples were randomly collected from sheep, goats, cattle, and camels at different areas of Sudan. A total of 12,384 serum samples were collected from clinically healthy 7413 sheep, 1988 camels, 1501 cattle, 1459 goats, and 23 gazelles at different areas in the Sudan. They were examined for PPR antibodies using competitive ELISA (cELISA). The overall detected seroprevalence of PPR in tested sera was 49.4%; seroprevalence values within species were 67.1, 48.2, 25.8, 2.1, and 21.7% in sheep, goat, cattle, camels, and gazelles, respectively. The highest seroprevalence (68.1%) was observed in sera collected from Darfur states, then the central states (54.3%). A total of 1276 lung tissue samples (623 sheep, 324 cattle, 220 camels, and 109 goats) were collected. The majority of lung samples were collected from clinically healthy animals that showed lesions on PM in slaughterhouses (95%) and during PPR outbreaks; samples were tested for PPR antigen using immunocapture ELISA (IcELISA). PPR antigen was detected in 233 out of the 1276 tested samples (18.3%). Positive results were observed in samples collected from clinically healthy and diseased animals. The observed prevalence values in each species were 33.6, 21.1, 15.4, and 12.3% in camel, goat, sheep, and cattle, respectively. PPR antigen was detected in samples from different areas; however, the highest prevalence (63.9%) was found in samples collected from the eastern states, then Khartoum state (28%). Trials for virus isolation were done in different cell cultures. Out of 30 IcELISA-positive samples inoculated in primary bovine and ovine kidney cells, Vero cells, the PPR virus was successfully isolated from 15 (eight sheep, five camels, and two goats) samples in the three cell culture types. Using RT-PCR, PPRV nucleic acid was detected in all 25 IcELISA-positive tested samples.     

羊布鲁菌快速检测技术应用研究

通过用4种方法对羊布鲁菌的检测,确立适用于基层应用的羊布鲁菌快速检测技术。http://www.mdxycn.com/采用浊度仪LAMP、金属浴LAMP、荧光目视检测试剂盒LAMP和普通PCR共4种方法对羊血液中的布鲁菌进行检测,比较其检测结果。结果表明,共检测162份羊血液,布鲁菌检出率分别为浊度仪LAMP为8.6%、金属浴LAMP为8.6%、荧光目视检测试剂盒为8.6%、普通PCR为6.2%。LAMP较普通PCR方法特异性强且灵敏度高;金属浴LAMP方法操作简便,无需特殊设备,更适用于基层应用。     

Comparison of an indirect ELISA with the Brucella milk ring test for detection of antibodies to Brucella abortus in bulk milk samples.

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Brucella abortus antibodies in bovine bulk milk samples was evaluated. About 31 individual milk samples from B. abortus infected cows were diluted into bulk milk from a brucellosis free herd. Individual milk samples obtained from 96 negative or positive herds to ELISA or Brucella ring test (BRT), were tested by ELISA. All positive cows were bled and serum samples were tested by the complement-fixation test (CFT) which was considered the definitive test. A herd was considered infected if at least, one cow was positive in the CFT. Four samples were negative in the BRT at the dilution 1:10 but positive in the ELISA. For samples positive in both tests, BRT titers ranged from 1:10 to 1:480 while ELISA titers ranged from 1:10 to 1:3200.Using bulk milk samples, the sensitivity of the ELISA (98.1%) was higher than the BRT (72.2%) but the specificity of BRT (90.5%) was not statistically different (P=1.0) from the ELISA (88.1%). The implications of the results for brucellosis control are discussed.     

Improved detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis In milk by immunomagnetic PCR

The potential use of a novel immunomagnetic PCR (IMS-PCR) technique as a rapid method to screen milk samples for the presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. ptb) was assessed. Immunomagnetic separation (IMS) for M. ptb, developed at Queen's University, Belfast, was applied to milk samples prior to IS900 PCR in order to selectively concentrate any M. ptb cells present and, at the same time, separate the cells from constituents of milk likely to inhibit subsequent PCR. This increased the sensitivity of IS900 PCR. IMS-PCR sensitivity could be further increased by initial centrifugation (2500 g for 20 min) of larger volumes of milk (10 and 50 ml), and resuspension of the sediment into a 1 ml volume appropriate for IMS treatment. Following IMS, template DNA for IS900 PCR was obtained by heating the bead-cell suspension in a thermal cycler at 100 degrees C for 15 min. It was estimated that the IMS-PCR assay could detect approximately 10(3)CFU of M. ptb per 50 ml of milk (equivalent to 20 CFU/ml), whereas the minimum detection limit of direct IS900 PCR was estimated at 10(5)CFU of M. ptb per 50 ml (equivalent to 2000 CFU/ml). A blind trial was carried out in which a total of 40 spiked (10(6)CFU M. ptb) and unspiked, raw and laboratory-pasteurised milk samples were independently tested by IMS-PCR and conventional IS900 PCR. IMS-PCR correctly identified 97. 5% of milk samples (sensitivity 100%, specificity 95%), including spiked milk samples before and after laboratory-pasteurisation. One false positive result was obtained which may have resulted from carryover between samples during the IMS procedure. Conventional IS900 PCR correctly identified only 72.5% of the same 40 milk samples (sensitivity 23%, specificity 100%). IMS-PCR was also shown to be capable of detecting natural M. ptb infection in raw sheep's milk, and raw and commercially pasteurised cows' milk.     

Performance of a Johne's disease enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay adapted for milk samples from goats.

Antibody detection-based tests for paratuberculosis offer speed and economy, 2 diagnostic test attributes important to animal industries with narrow profit margins. Application of such tests to individual milk samples instead of serum samples can further improve testing efficiency and decrease testing cost. Accuracy of a commercial bovine paratuberculosis enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) adapted for use on goat serum and milk samples was determined. Fecal, blood, and milk samples were collected from 159 goats belonging to 2 Wisconsin goat herds with a prior history of paratuberculosis and 1 herd of 50 goats from a paratuberculosis-free Wisconsin herd. Fecal samples were cultured using the modified BACTEC 12B media. Sera were tested according to the manufacturer's instructions for bovine samples. Milk samples were centrifuged and mixed with the ELISA kit's Mycobacterium phlei-containing diluent at a ratio of 1:2. Using fecal culture as the "gold standard," the sensitivity of the ELISA on goat serum was 64% and the sensitivity of the ELISA on goat milk was 48%. The milk ELISA had higher agreement with fecal culture results (kappa = 0.525) than the serum ELISA (kappa = 0.425). ELISA specificity was 100% on both serum and milk. Regression analysis also showed good correlation between serum and milk S/P values (r2 = 0.67). Although less sensitive, the ELISA on goat milk samples appears to offer a useful, low-cost alternative for detection of goats with paratuberculosis that have progressed to the stage of shedding M. paratuberculosis in their feces.     

Diagnostic tools to monitor udder health in dairy goats

This article discusses the use of somatic cell count (SCC) and bacteriological culture (BC) as monitoring tools to assess the udder health situation of dairy goats. Both SCC and BC can be applied for milk samples from individual goats or at bulk milk samples. The causative agent of primary concern in the dairy goat industry is Staphylococcus aureus. This pathogen strongly increases goat milk SCC. The SCC is therefore a useful test to detect S. aureus-infected goats. However, several non-infectious factors, most importantly the stage of lactation, also influence SCC, complicating the interpretation of this test. BC has a low sensitivity for the detection of S. aureus-infected goats, but is a valuable tool to obtain information on which bacterial species are responsible for udder health problems in a herd.     

Antibody seroprevalences against peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus in camels, cattle, goats and sheep in Ethiopia

A questionnaire-survey data indicated that 26% of 276 farmers reported the presence of respiratory disease in their herds in 2001. The incidence was perceived as "high" in small ruminants and camels, but as "low" in cattle. Simultaneously, 2815 serum samples from camels (n=628), cattle (n=910), goats (n=442) and sheep (n=835) were tested. The peste des petits ruminants (PPR) antibody seroprevalence was 3% in camels, 9% in cattle, 9% in goats and 13% in sheep. The highest locality-specific seroprevalences were: camels 10%, cattle 16%, goats 22% and sheep 23%. The animals had not been vaccinated against rinderpest or PPR. Antibody seroprevalences detected in camels, cattle, goats and sheep confirmed natural transmission of PPR virus under field conditions.     

Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded intestinal tissue by IS900 polymerase chain reaction

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare methods for DNA extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and methods for detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis by IS900 PCR for confirmation of Johne's disease in ruminants. DESIGN: A laboratory study. PROCEDURE: Three methods of DNA extraction of differing complexity and two PCR protocols using different pairs of IS900 primers were compared. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using samples from ruminants with and without histological evidence of Johne's disease. RESULTS: The simplest method of DNA extraction, which involved two cycles of boiling and freezing followed by centrifugation, gave more consistent results than two methods that required solvent extraction of paraffin, proteinase digestion and DNA purification. The sensitivity of detection of M avium subsp paratuberculosis in paraffin blocks stored for 1 to 6 years from 34 cases of Johne's disease in sheep, cattle and goats was 88% for a 229 bp IS900 PCR assay and 71% for a 413 bp assay, using the detection of acid-fast bacilli by Ziehl Neelsen staining of histological sections from the same blocks as the gold standard test. PCR results correlated with the abundance of acid-fast organisms in the tissues. No false positive reactions were detected. CONCLUSION: PCR for identification of M avium subsp paratuberculosis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded intestinal tissues from ruminants is a rapid and useful method. A simple method of sample preparation is effective. Amplification of short fragments of IS900 is more effective than amplification of longer fragments.     

应用双重PCR方法检测羊支原体肺炎病原

通过对丝状支原体山羊亚种(M.mycoides subsp.capri,Mmc)特异性引物MmcF/MmcR和绵羊肺炎支原体(M.ovipneumontiae,Mo)特异性引物LmF/LmR退火温度、引物浓度比例等条件的选择,建立了一个可以同时检测Mmc和Mo的双重PCR方法。该方法可同时扩增出Mmc 195 bp和Mo 361 bp目的片段,但对其他病原菌不能扩增出任何条带,具有良好的特异性。敏感性试验表明,该方法能够分别检测出0.1ng的Mmc DNA和0.01 ng的Mo DNA,或同时检测出1ng Mmc和1ng Mo混合的DNA。用该双重PCR方法可对实验室保存的4株绵羊肺炎支原体和2株丝状支原体山羊亚种进行准确鉴定,并可从临床病料中检测出相应支原体,表明建立的双重PCR方法可用于Mmc和Mo的快速鉴定、实验室诊断和病原学调查。