Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How can PCR help diagnose tuberculosis in cats and dogs?
By Aranaz, A et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·1996·Departamento de Patologí, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in cats and dogs.
Plain-English summary
In a study involving four dogs and four cats suspected of having tuberculosis, researchers tested tissue samples using different methods, including a new DNA extraction technique for a test called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This PCR test was able to accurately identify all samples that were confirmed to have the tuberculosis bacteria without any incorrect results. The advantage of this method is that it can provide a diagnosis in just two days, which is much faster than traditional methods. Overall, the PCR technique proved to be effective for diagnosing tuberculosis in these pets.
Abstract
Samples from four dogs and four cats suspected of having tuberculosis were processed for histopathology, bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A simple, rapid method for the extraction of DNA from tissue samples was used in two PCR assays designed to confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The PCR assays detected all the culture-positive samples from these animals and no false positive results were obtained. The PCR technique was successful for the direct detection of organisms from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and reduced the time needed for a diagnosis to two days.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8711884/