Molecular identification of Bartonella quintana infection using species-specific real-time PCR targeting transcriptional regulatory protein (bqtR) gene

Mol Cell Probes. 2011 Oct-Dec;25(5-6):238-42. doi: 10.1016/j.mcp.2011.07.001. Epub 2011 Jul 28.

Abstract

We describe a SYBR Green I-based real-time PCR targeting Bartonella quintana transcriptional regulatory protein (bqtR) gene, recently found as invariant gene among different B. quintana strains. Melting curve analysis allowed us to discriminate between B. quintana and Bartonella henselae amplified products. We also show its usefulness in the management of a blood culture-negative patient affected by enlarged cervical lymphonodes and long-lasting fever. B. quintana DNA detection in patient whole blood samples and blood culture bottles was confirmed by sequencing and analyzing amplified products.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Typing Techniques*
  • Bartonella Infections / blood
  • Bartonella Infections / diagnosis*
  • Bartonella Infections / microbiology
  • Bartonella henselae / genetics*
  • Bartonella henselae / isolation & purification
  • Bartonella quintana / genetics*
  • Bartonella quintana / isolation & purification
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Bacterial / blood*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial