Detection of leptospira by dot blot hybridization with photobiotin- and 32P-labelled DNA
Zhang, Y.; Dai, B.
Hua Xi Yi Ke da Xue Xue Bao 23(2): 130-132
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0257-7712 PMID: 1452140 Document Number: 388748
Photobiotin- and 32P-labelled DNA probes of L. interrogans sv. lai strain 017 were produced and the DNA and leptospires were dotted on the NC filter and hybridized. The results showed that photobiotin and 32P-labelled DNA probes could detect DNAs of homology. The smallest amount of DNA that could be detected with the probes were 5pg and 1pg, and the smallest numbers of pathogenic leptospires were 5 x 10(3) and 10(3), respectively. Nonpathogenic leptospires. L. biflexa sv. patoc strain Patoc 1, L. illini strain 3055, Escherichia coli, Bacillus aerogenes capsulatus, and Salmonella anatis, could not be detected by the probes. The study demonstrates that leptospires DNA probe could be produced by labelling the DNA with photobiotin. It has higher sensitivity and specificity and can be used for detection of leptospires in the field and clinic.