Comparison of real-time PCR and droplet digital PCR for the detection of Xylella fastidiosa in plants

In this study, a real-time PCR protocol, already used for Xf detection in the framework of official surveys in the European Union, was transferred and optimized for Xf detection using ddPCR. This new assay was evaluated and compared to the initial real-time PCR on five plant matrices artificially inoculated and on naturally infected plants. In our conditions, this new ddPCR enabled the detection of Xf on all artificially inoculated plant macerates with a similar limit of detection, or a slight benefit for Quercus ilex. Moreover, ddPCR improved diagnostic sensitivity as it enabled detection of Xf in samples of Polygala myrtifolia or Q. ilex that were categorized as negative or close to the limit of detection using the real-time PCR. Here, we report for the first time a ddPCR assay for the detection of the bacterium Xf.

Source: Journal of Microbiological Methods - May 22, 2019 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research