Work

Design, validation and evaluation of a triplex real time qualitative PCR assay targeting zoonotic Capnocytophaga species in EDTA whole blood and plasma simulated clinical specimens

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Found in the oral microbiome of cats and dogs, bacteria from the genus Capnocytophaga occasionally infect humans and can cause serious disease or death if not identified and treated promptly. Described here is a real-time triplex qualitative PCR assay designed using gene targets (rplV and secY) identified as diagnostically relevant by analysis of genomes from the Capnocytophaga species. The assay was evaluated on simulated EDTA whole blood samples/plasma and is effective at detecting down to 10 copies per microliter (10000 copies per mL, 4 log/mL) for whole blood samples (rplV /secY), and 1 copy per microliter (1000 copies per mL, 3 log mL) (rplV) and 0.5 copy per microliter (500 copies per mL, 2.69 log mL) (secY) for plasma samples. Analytical sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility were established in plasmid-spiked simulated EDTA whole blood and plasma specimens, and clinical performance in Capnocytophaga-positive patient samples remains to be determined.

Source: Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease

DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2026.117268

Authors: A.M. Szewc, A.C. Nicholson, K. Livingston, C. Hopper, J.R. McQuiston

Institutions: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility Testing

Subfield: Clinical Biochemistry

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290