Publication
Title
An alternative, sensitive method to detect **Helicobacter pylori** DNA in feces
Author
Abstract
Background:  Despite the high sensitivity and specificity of PCR, detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA in feces is still challenging. Fecal samples contain inhibitory molecules that can prevent amplification of the target DNA. Even by using specific DNA extraction kits for stools, monitoring of infection by analyzing stool samples remains problematic and endorses the need for improved diagnostic methods. Materials and Methods:  The newly proposed method uses selective hybridization of target DNA with biotin-labeled probes, followed by DNA isolation with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. After three washing steps, the purified DNA can be amplified immediately using conventional or quantitative PCR. In order to test this technique on biological samples, Mongolian gerbils were infected with H. pylori ATCC 43504 and fecal samples were analyzed on days 1, 4, and 10 post infection. Results:  A detection limit of one bacterial cell per 100 mg stool sample was established, but only after removal of the magnetic beads from the target DNA by heating. This resulted in a 10-fold increase of sensitivity compared to a commercially available stool DNA extraction kit. Analysis of fecal samples from infected gerbils demonstrated the presence of H. pylori DNA on each time point, while the uninfected animal remained negative. Conclusions:  The proposed technique allows detection of very low quantities of H. pylori DNA in biological samples. In laboratory animal models, detailed monitoring of infection and complete clearance of infection can be demonstrated thanks to the low detection limit.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Helicobacter. - Cambridge, Mass.
Publication
Cambridge, Mass. : 2011
ISSN
1083-4389
DOI
10.1111/J.1523-5378.2011.00819.X
Volume/pages
16 :2 (2011) , p. 113-118
ISI
000288502300005
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
The role of bacterial biofilms as a major cause of therapeutic failure in intensive care units (ICU): an in vitro and in vivo study of 'biofilm' virulence factors.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 22.03.2011
Last edited 30.01.2024
To cite this reference