A rapid minor groove binder PCR method for distinguishing the vaccine strain Brucella abortus 104M

Establishment of an A/T-Rich Specifically MGB Probe digital droplet PCR Assays Based on SNP for Brucella wild strains and vaccine strains

In recent years, immunization with the S2 live-attenuated vaccine has been recognized as the most economical and effective strategy for preventing brucellosis in Inner Mongolia, China. However, there are still challenges related to vaccine toxicity and the inability to distinguish between vaccine immunization and natural infection. Therefore, in this study, we developed a digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay based on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci to identify wild Brucella strains and S2 vaccine strains. The assay demonstrated excellent linearity (R2> 0.99) with a lower detection limit of 10 copies/µL for both wild and vaccine strains. Additionally, the ddPCR assay outperformed the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay in screening 50 clinical samples. We have established an effective and highly sensitive ddPCR assay for Brucella, providing an efficient method for detecting and differentiating wild strains of Brucella from the S2 vaccine strain.

Development of a TaqMan polymerase chain reaction detection method for the precise identification and quantification of an attenuated Eimeria maxima vaccine strain in poultry

Avian coccidiosis, a parasitic disease prevalent in poultry, is caused by Eimeria species and leads to significant economic losses. The use of attenuated live oocyst vaccines has been adopted as an alternative to the use of anticoccidial drugs. However, the accurate detection and differentiation of vaccine strains from virulent ones remain challenging. Therefore, this study presents a novel TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method that offers enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility compared with traditional PCR techniques. Through whole-genome resequencing and bioinformatics analysis, we identified a molecular marker gene, Em_marker6, with a unique 21-base pair deletion specific to the Eimeria maxima attenuated vaccine strain. Optimized primers and probes targeting this marker enabled rapid quantification cycle value achievement and high fluorescence intensity. The standard curve's slope of -3.540 and correlation coefficient of 0.9971 confirmed precise quantification capabilities. The TaqMan PCR method detected as few as 30 plasmid DNA copies and 50 oocysts per reaction, outperforming traditional PCR techniques by an order of magnitude. No cross-reactivity was observed with other E. maxima wide-type strains or common intestinal pathogens, ensuring the exclusive detection of the E. maxima EMPY vaccine strain. Weekly testing over 3 weeks demonstrated minimal variability, indicating robust consistency in the method's application. Testing on 61 clinical samples revealed a 57.38% positivity rate for E. maxima species and 13.11% for the vaccine strain. The Em_marker6 gene exhibited genetic stability across multiple generations, confirming the detection method's robust stability for the attenuated E. maxima vaccine strain. This study significantly advances the field of avian coccidiosis research and control by providing a valuable tool for monitoring vaccine purity and preventing inadvertent infections in vaccinated flocks, aligning with global efforts to curb antibiotic use in animal feed.

A novel approach for detection of brucella using a real-time recombinase polymerase amplification assay

Brucella, the etiological agent of brucellosis, is an important zoonosis pathogen worldwide. Brucella infects humans and various domestic and wild animals, and represents a great threat to public health and animal husbandry. In the present study, we developed a real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay for the detection of Brucella. The assay targeted the bcsp31 gene of Brucella, and an RPA exo probe and a pair of primers were selected for assay validation. RPA sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using plasmid standards, Brucella representative strains, and non-Brucella strains. The RPA assay achieved a detection limit of 17 molecules in 95% of cases based on probit analysis, and could successfully distinguish 18 representative Brucella strains (B. abortus biovars 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9, B. melitensis biovars 1, 2 and 3, B. suis biovars 1, 2, 3 and 4, B. canis, B. neotomae and B. ovis), and four Brucella vaccine strains (A19, S19, S2 and M5). A total of 52 Brucella field strains were detected by real-time PCR and RPA in parallel, and compared with real-time PCR, the sensitivity of the RPA assay was 94% (49/52). Thus, this RPA assay may be a rapid, sensitive, and specific tool for the prevention and control of Brucellosis.