Abstract

We re-examined the sensitivity and specificity of 31 PCR assays (including four commercially available and developed in-house methods) for the identification of Campylobacter species, with particular reference to taxa described since 2004, which are closely related to C. jejuni and C. coli, the pathogenic species of most interest. Each of the assays was used by at least one of the participating nine laboratories in eight countries. The sensitivity and specificity of these PCR assays examined varied considerably and ranged from 100% to 0% for sensitivity and 100% to 55% for specificity. None of the three assays examined for C. lari were successful in detecting all strains of this species, possibly reflecting its complex taxonomy. A number of assays for C. jejuni, C. coli, and a subgroup of enteropathogenic campylobacters, were found to yield false positive results for Campylobacter species described since PCR tests were reported, including C. cuniculorum, C. subantarcticus, C. peloridis and C. volucris. Our study supports the need for attention to detail in initial PCR assay design and evaluation, and also for on-going revalidation of laboratory assays to ensure that diagnoses are correct. Recommendations to guide the revalidation process are presented.

Autore Pugliese

• Fusco Vincenzina

Tutti gli autori

• On S.L.W.; Brandt S.M. ; Cornelius A.J. ; Fusco V. ; Quero G.M. ; Makiw E. ; ; Houf K. ; Bilbao A. ; Díaz A.I. ; Benejat L. ; Megraud F. ; Collins-Emerson J. ; French N.P. ; Gotcheva V. ; Angelov; A. ; Alakomi; H.-L. ; Saarela M. ; Paulin S.M.

Titolo volume/Rivista

Quality assurance and safety of crops & foods

Anno di pubblicazione

2013

ISSN

1757-8361

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

Nessuna citazione

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

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Numero di citazioni Scopus

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Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

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Settori ERC

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Codici ASJC

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