Random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles as a tool for the identification of Acanthamoeba divionensis

Curr Microbiol. 2003 Aug;47(2):84-6. doi: 10.1007/s00284-002-3939-7.

Abstract

In the present study, we demonstrated the Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA (RAPD) diagnostic validity. In our study, we have analyzed RAPD profiles searching for characteristic and useful bands for Acanthamoeba diagnosis at the species level. We found a distinctive 370-bp band in A. divionensis RAPD patterns, using the OPC14 primer (TGCGTGCTTG) (Operon Technologies, Inc., Alameda, CA). The band specificity was confirmed by hybridization, using it as a probe, against all OPC14 amplifications from 10 different Acanthamoeba species. Once we sequenced this band, we used it to design a specific primer pair which showed positive amplification only in A. divionensis isolates.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Acanthamoeba / classification*
  • Acanthamoeba / genetics
  • Acanthamoeba Keratitis / parasitology
  • Animals
  • Cornea / parasitology
  • DNA Primers
  • Humans
  • Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique*
  • Soil / parasitology
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Soil