Detection of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in whole blood specimens using a duplex real-time PCR assay on the ARIES instrument

We report here the validation of a duplex real-time PCR assay using whole blood specimens on the Luminex ARIES® instrument, combining DNA extraction, amplification and detection into a one-step process. This method allows for rapid and sensitive detection of acute infections with Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum using whole blood specimens. We included A. phagocytophilum to monitor emergence of this pathogen in Kentucky, since surrounding states have reported many more cases than Kentucky.
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research