PCR Detection ofCoxiella burnetiifrom Different Clinical Specimens, Especially Bovine Milk, on the Basis of DNA Preparation with a Silica Matrix

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
For PCR detection ofCoxiella burnetiiin various clinical specimens we developed a sample preparation method in which silica binding of DNA was used. This method was found to be fast, easily performed with large numbers of samples, and equally sensitive for all of the specimens tested (livers, spleens, placentas, heart valves, milk, blood). The DNA preparation method described here can also be used as an initial step in any PCR-based examination of specimens. The procedure was tested with more than 600 milk samples, which were taken from 21 cows that were seropositive forC. burnetiiand reportedly had fertility problems (and therefore were suspected of shedding the agent through milk intermittently or continuously). Of the 21 cows tested, 6 were sheddingC. burnetiithrough milk. Altogether,C. burnetiiDNA was detected in 6% of the samples. There was no correlation between the shedding pattern and the serological results.