Detection of Shigella flexneri in Stool Specimens using Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique

Abstract

This study was carried out in the period from May 2007- March 2008 to evaluate the real-time PCR technique for direct detection of Shigella flexneri in stools. Forty-six stool specimens were collected from patients attended to Khartoum state Hospitals. Bacterial DNA was extracted directly from each stool specimen using phenol choloroform technique. The DNA amplified by real-time PCR using specific Shigella flexneri primers. Shigella flexneri DNA detected in 12 (26.1%) of the extract. The study concluded that the real-time PCR technique facilitates rapid direct detection of Shigella flexneri in stool without any culture.