Plasmodium Genus Assay Transition to the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS).

摘要

A Plasmodium genus TaqMan assay (16 tRNA gene target) wet assay was successfully developed and tested. The wet assay showed promise as a highly sensitive and specific malaria causative agent detection test; however, in the freeze-dried formulation, chronic cross-reactivity occurred. The freeze-dried (FD) assay was deployed for use in an established vector surveillance program at an AFRIMS field site (Mae Sot, Thailand). During field-evaluation, the FD assay consistently reported cross-reactivity against an established negative control panel as well as non-infected mosquito extracts. Fluorescence above background was periodically observed for negative template control (NTC) reactions. Subsequent to field study, FD assays stored at 4 degrees C were tested using the negative control panel, non-infected mosquito extracts, and NTC. No fluorescence above background was observed using 4 degrees C stored FD assays. The conclusion was probable TaqMan probe degradation due to thermal instability. By the conclusion of the study, the issue was not resolved. Under follow-on studies, a highly sensitive and specific Plasmodium genus TaqMan assay was developed.