Detection of Chlamydia psittaci from avian field samples using the PCR
Hewinson, R.G.; Rankin, S.E.; Bevan, B.J.; Field, M.; Woodward, M.J.
Veterinary Record 128(6): 129-130
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 2028566 Document Number: 379352
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test which was used to amplify a 264 base pair fragment from the gene encoding the major outer membrane protein of C. psittaci is described. Amplified products were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA species were visualised directly by ethidiium bromide staining and ultraviolet transillumination. Preliminary results showed that clinical samples known to be infected with C. psittaci gave discrete DNA products of the appropriate size but other samples including C. trachomatis infected cultures did not suggesting that the PCR test was specific for C. psittaci. Southern hybridisations were also performed to improve sensitivity. In a retrospective study of some 40 clinical samples from known C. psittaci cases, all were positive when tested by PCR.