Polymerase chain reaction for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection yields higher sensitivity in blood clot than buffy coat or whole blood specimens

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2008 Nov;79(5):768-70.

Abstract

Trypanosoma cruzi polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used, but sensitivity varies widely. We compared PCR using 121/122 primers targeting kinetoplast minicircle DNA in whole blood, buffy coat, and clot from Bolivian women. Sensitivity was significantly higher in clot (60.1%) than buffy coat (46.5%) or whole blood (40%). The use of clot could simplify specimen collection while improving sensitivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Chagas Disease / blood
  • Chagas Disease / diagnosis*
  • Chronic Disease
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Kinetoplast / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Thrombosis*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Kinetoplast