Identification of rickettsial infections by using cutaneous swab specimens and PCR

Emerg Infect Dis. 2011 Jan;17(1):83-6. doi: 10.3201/eid1701.100854.

Abstract

To determine the usefulness of noninvasive cutaneous swab specimens for detecting rickettsiae, we tested skin eschars from 6 guinea pigs and from 9 humans. Specimens from eschars in guinea pigs were positive for rickettsiae as long as lesions were present. Optimal storage temperature for specimens was 4 degrees C for 3 days.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • DNA, Bacterial / isolation & purification
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Rickettsia / classification
  • Rickettsia / genetics
  • Rickettsia / isolation & purification*
  • Rickettsia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Rickettsia Infections / microbiology
  • Rickettsia conorii / classification
  • Rickettsia conorii / genetics
  • Rickettsia conorii / isolation & purification*
  • Skin / microbiology*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Specimen Handling / methods*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial