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. 1989 Sep;135(9):2357-64.
doi: 10.1099/00221287-135-9-2357.

Polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae

R A Hartskeerl  1 , M Y de Wit, P R Klatser
Affiliations

Polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae

R A Hartskeerl et al. J Gen Microbiol. 1989 Sep.

Abstract

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using heat-stable Taq polymerase is described for the specific detection of Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy. A set of primers was selected on the basis of the nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding the 36 kDa antigen of M. leprae. With this set of primers in the PCR, M. leprae could be detected specifically with a detection limit approximating one bacterium. This PCR appears to meet the criteria of specificity and sensitivity required for a useful tool in epidemiology and eventually for the control of leprosy.

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