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. 2011 Feb;84(2):338-43.
doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0499.

A pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of four species of soil-transmitted helminths

Madihah Basuni  1 , Jamail Muhi, Nurulhasanah Othman, Jaco J Verweij, Maimunah Ahmad, Noorizan Miswan, Anizah Rahumatullah, Farhanah Abdul Aziz, Nurul Shazalina Zainudin, Rahmah Noordin
Affiliations

A pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of four species of soil-transmitted helminths

Madihah Basuni et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011 Feb.

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminth infections remain a major public health burden in low- and middle-income countries. The traditional diagnosis by microscopic examination of fecal samples is insensitive and time-consuming. In this study, a pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated for the simultaneous detection of Ancylostoma, Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional parasitological diagnostic methods. Real-time PCR was positive in 48 of 77 samples (62.3%) and microscopic examination was positive in six samples (7.8%) only (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the real-time PCR assay described in this study provides a specific and sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of these four helminth species in epidemiological studies and monitoring of treatment programs.

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