Evaluation of three diagnostic methods, including real-time PCR, for detection of Dientamoeba fragilis in stool specimens

J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Jan;44(1):232-5. doi: 10.1128/JCM.44.1.232-235.2006.

Abstract

Dientamoeba fragilis is a protozoan parasite of humans that infects the mucosa of the large intestine and is associated with gastrointestinal disease. We developed a 5' nuclease (TaqMan)-based real-time PCR assay, targeting the small subunit rRNA gene, for the detection of D. fragilis in human stool specimens and compared its sensitivity and specificity to conventional PCR and microscopic examination by a traditional modified iron-hematoxylin staining procedure. Real-time PCR exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • Diarrhea / parasitology
  • Dientamoeba / enzymology
  • Dientamoeba / genetics
  • Dientamoeba / isolation & purification*
  • Dientamoebiasis / diagnosis*
  • Feces / parasitology*
  • Genes, rRNA / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan