Abstract
Ureaplasma urealyticum has been associated with a variety of disease conditions in humans. However, its exact etiologic role has not been well established because of the difficulties encountered in cultural diagnosis and the time needed for positive identifications. A DNA probe which is specific for a target DNA sequence unique to this suspected pathogen offers a rapid, sensitive and specific means of diagnosis. This study details the development of a polymerase chain reaction system for U. urealyticum. Using conventional hybridization techniques, a cloned genomic fragment was found to be specific for this organism. Sequencing of part of this probe DNA permitted the assignment of oligonucleotide primers which amplified a 186 bp target segment. This PCR system is specific for U. urealyticum but not for other closely related species of mycoplasma. This highly sensitive diagnostic technique will aid in determining the etiologic role, tissue tropism and dynamics of pathogenesis of this organism, and thereby result in better patient care.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 411-416 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Molecular and Cellular Probes |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1992 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- DNA probes
- Mycoplasma species
- PCR
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology