Differentiation of Ehrlichia platys and E. equi infections in dogs by using 16S ribosomal DNA-based PCR

J Clin Microbiol. 2001 Dec;39(12):4577-8. doi: 10.1128/JCM.39.12.4577-4578.2001.

Abstract

We have encountered a previously unrecognized specificity problem when using the small-subunit ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA)-based PCR primers recommended for use in the identification of Ehrlichia equi in clinical samples. These PCR primers annealed to E. platys 16S rDNA in blood samples containing high levels of E. platys organisms. Therefore, we designed and tested new PCR primers for the identification of E. equi.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Ribosomal / analysis
  • Dog Diseases / microbiology*
  • Dogs
  • Ehrlichia / classification*
  • Ehrlichia / genetics
  • Ehrlichiosis / microbiology
  • Ehrlichiosis / veterinary*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S