A rapid and simple method of detection of Blepharisma japonicum using PCR and immobilisation on FTA paper.

G, Hide; JM, Hughes; R, McNuff

Abstract

Background
The rapid expansion in the availability of genome and DNA sequence information has opened up new possibilities for the development of methods for detecting free-living protozoa in environmental samples. The protozoan Blepharisma japonicum was used to investigate a rapid and simple detection system based on polymerase chain reaction amplification (PCR) from organisms immobilised on FTA paper.

Results
Using primers designed from the α-tubulin genes of Blepharisma, specific and sensitive detection to the equivalent of a single Blepharisma cell could be achieved. Similar detection levels were found using water samples, containing Blepharisma, which were dried onto Whatman FTA paper.

Conclusion
This system has potential as a sensitive convenient detection system for Blepharisma and could be applied to other protozoan organisms.

Citation

G, H., JM, H., & R, M. (2003). A rapid and simple method of detection of Blepharisma japonicum using PCR and immobilisation on FTA paper. BMC Ecology, 3(7), https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6785-3-7

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Sep 30, 2003
• Publication Date: 2003-09
• Deposit Date: Apr 9, 2024
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 3
• Issue: 7
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6785-3-7
• PMID: 14516472