Amplification of RNA by NASBA allows direct detection of viable cells of Ralstonia solanacearum in potato.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to develop a Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification (NASBA) assay, targeting 16S rRNA sequences, for direct detection of viable cells of Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal organism of bacterial wilt. The presence of intact 16S rRNA is considered to be a useful indicator for viability, as a rapid degradation of this target molecule is found upon cell death. METHODS AND RESULTS: It was demonstrated by RNase treatment of extracted nucleic acids from R. solanacearum cell suspensions that NASBA exclusively detected RNA and not DNA. The ability of NASBA to assess viability was demonstrated in two sets of experiments. In the first experiment, viable and chlorine-killed cells of R. solanacearum were added to a potato tuber extract and tested in NASBA and PCR. In NASBA, only extracts spiked with viable cells resulted in a specific signal after Northern blot analysis, whereas in PCR, targeting 16S rDNA sequences, both extracts with viable and killed cells resulted in specific signals. In the second experiment, the survival of R. solanacearum on metal strips was studied using NASBA, PCR-amplification and dilution plating on the semiselective medium SMSA. A positive correlation was found between NASBA and dilution plating detecting culturable cells, whereas PCR-amplification resulted in positive reactions also long after cells were dead. The detection level of NASBA for R. solanacearum added to potato tuber extracts was determined at 104 cfu per ml of extract, equivalent to 100 cfu per reaction. With purified RNA a detection level of 104 rRNA molecules was found. This corresponds with less than one bacterial cell, assuming that a metabolically active cell contains ca 105 copies of rRNA. Preliminary experiments demonstrated the potential of NASBA to detect R. solanacearum in naturally infected potato tuber extracts. CONCLUSIONS: NASBA specifically amplifies RNA from viable cells of R. solanacearum even present in complex substrates at a level of 100 cfu per reaction. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The novel NASBA assay will be particularly valuable for detection of R. solanacearum in ecological studies in which specifically viable cells should be determined.

Quantitative detection of hepatitis B virus DNA by real-time nucleic acid sequence-based amplification with molecular beacon detection.

We have developed a hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA detection and quantification system based on amplification with nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) technology and real-time detection with molecular beacon technology. NASBA is normally applied to amplify single-stranded target RNA, producing RNA amplicons. In this work we show that with modifications like primer design, sample extraction method, and template denaturation, the NASBA technique can be made suitable for DNA target amplification resulting in RNA amplicons. A major advantage of our assay is the one-tube, isothermal nature of the method, which allows high-throughput applications for nucleic acid detection. The homogeneous real-time detection allows a closed-tube format of the assay, avoiding any postamplification handling of amplified material and therefore minimizing the risk of contamination of subsequent reactions. The assay has a detection range of 10(3) to 10(9) HBV DNA copies/ml of plasma or serum (6 logs), with good reproducibility and precision. Compared with other HBV DNA assays, our assay provides good sensitivity, a wide dynamic range, and high-throughput applicability, making it a viable alternative to those based on other amplification or detection methods.

Single rapid real-time monitored isothermal RNA amplification assay for quantification of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates from groups M, N, and O.

Because human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) are spreading rapidly worldwide and are becoming less confined to a geographical area, RNA assays that can detect and quantify all HIV-1 isolates reliably are in demand. We have developed a fast, real-time monitored RNA assay based on an isothermal nucleic acid sequence-based amplification technology that amplifies a part of the long terminal repeat region of the HIV-1 genome. Real-time detection was possible due to the addition of molecular beacons to the amplification reaction that was monitored in a fluorimeter with a thermostat. The lower level of detection of the assay was 10 HIV-1 RNA molecules per reaction, and the lower level of quantification was 100 copies of HIV-1 RNA with a dynamic range of linear quantification between 10(2) and 10(7) RNA molecules. All HIV-1 groups, subtypes, and CRFs could be detected and quantified with equal efficiency, including the group N isolate YBF30 and the group O isolate ANT70. To test the clinical utility of the assay, a series of 62 serum samples containing viruses that encompassed subtypes A through G and CRFs AE and AG of HIV-1 group M were analyzed, and these results were compared to the results of a commercially available assay. This comparison showed that the quantification results correlated highly (R(2) = 0.735) for those subtypes that could be well quantified by both assays (subtypes B, C, D, and F), whereas improved quantification was obtained for subtypes A and G and CRFs AE and AG. A retrospective study with six individuals infected with either a subtype A, B, C, or D or an AG isolate of HIV-1 group M, who were treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy, revealed that the assay was well suited to the monitoring of therapy effects. In conclusion, the newly developed real-time monitored HIV-1 assay is a fast and sensitive assay with a large dynamic range of quantification and is suitable for quantification of most if not all subtypes and groups of HIV-1.

One-tube real-time isothermal amplification assay to identify and distinguish human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtypes A, B, and C and circulating recombinant forms AE and AG.

To halt the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) epidemic requires interventions that can prevent transmission of numerous HIV-1 subtypes. The most frequently transmitted viruses belong to the subtypes A, B, and C and the circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) AE and AG. A fast one-tube assay that identifies and distinguishes among subtypes A, B, and C and CRFs AE and AG of HIV-1 was developed. The assay amplifies a part of the gag gene sequence of the genome of all currently known HIV-1 subtypes and can identify and distinguish among the targeted subtypes as the reaction proceeds, because of the addition of subtype-specific molecular beacons with multiple fluorophores. The combination of isothermal nucleic acid sequence-based amplification and molecular beacons is a new approach in the design of real-time assays. To obtain a sufficiently specific assay, we developed a new strategy in the design of molecular beacons, purposely introducing mismatches in the molecular beacons. The subtype A and CRF AG isolates reacted with the same molecular beacon. We tested the specificity and sensitivity of the assay on a panel of the culture supernatant of 34 viruses encompassing all HIV-1 subtypes: subtypes A through G, CRF AE and AG, a group O isolate, and a group N isolate. Assay sensitivity on this panel was 92%, with 89% correct subtype identification relative to sequence analysis. A linear relationship was found between the amount of input RNA in the reaction mixture and the time that the reaction became positive. The lower detection level of the assay was approximately 10(3) copies of HIV-1 RNA per reaction. In 38% of 50 serum samples from HIV-1-infected individuals with a detectable amount of virus, we could identify subtype sequences with a specificity of 94% by using sequencing and phylogenetic analysis as the "gold standard." In conclusion, we showed the feasibility of the approach of using multiple molecular beacons labeled with different fluorophores in combination with isothermal amplification to identify and distinguish subtypes A, B, and C and CRFs AE and AG of HIV-1. Because of the low sensitivity, the assay in this format would not be suited for clinical use but can possibly be used for epidemiological monitoring as well as vaccine research studies.

Establishment of new transmissible and drug-sensitive human immunodeficiency virus type 1 wild types due to transmission of nucleoside analogue-resistant virus.

Sequence analysis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) from 74 persons with acute infections identified eight strains with mutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) gene at positions 41, 67, 68, 70, 215, and 219 associated with resistance to the nucleoside analogue zidovudine (AZT). Follow-up of the fate of these resistant HIV-1 strains in four newly infected individuals revealed that they were readily replaced by sensitive strains. The RT of the resistant viruses changed at amino acid 215 from tyrosine (Y) to aspartic acid (D) or serine (S), with asparagine (N) as a transient intermediate, indicating the establishment of new wild types. When we introduced these mutations and the original threonine (T)-containing wild type into infectious molecular clones and assessed their competitive advantage in vitro, the order of fitness was in accord with the in vivo observations: 215Y < 215D = 215S = 215T. As detected by real-time nucleic acid sequence-based amplification with two molecular beacons, the addition of AZT or stavudine (d4T) to the viral cultures favored the 215Y mutant in a dose-dependent manner. Our results illustrate that infection with nucleoside analogue-resistant HIV leads in newly infected individuals to mutants that are sensitive to nucleoside analogues, but only a single mutation removed from drug-resistant HIV. Such mutants were shown to be transmissible, stable, and prone to rapid selection for resistance to AZT or d4T as soon as antiretroviral therapy was administered. Monitoring of patients for the presence of new HIV-1 wild types with D, S, or N residues at position 215 may be warranted in order to estimate the threat to long-term efficacy of regimens including nucleoside analogues.

The in vivo kinetics of tissue factor messenger RNA expression during human endotoxemia: relationship with activation of coagulation.

Triggering of the tissue factor (TF)-dependent coagulation pathway is considered to underlie the generation of a procoagulant state during endotoxemia. To determine the in vivo pattern of monocytic TF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression during endotoxemia, 10 healthy volunteers were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 4 ng/kg) and blood was collected before and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after LPS administration. Total blood RNA was isolated and amplified by NASBA (nucleic acid sequence-based amplification), followed by quantitation of TF mRNA by an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay. To compare the pattern of coagulation activation with the kinetics of monocytic TF mRNA expression, we measured plasma levels of markers of thrombin generation, thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2). Baseline value (mean +/- SEM) of the number of TF mRNA molecules per monocytic cell was 0.08 +/- 0.02. A progressive and significant (P <.0001) increase in TF expression was observed after LPS injection (+0.5 hour: 0.3 +/- 0.1, +1 hour: 1.3 +/- 0.9, +2 hours: 4.1 +/- 0.9), peaking at +3 hours (10 +/- 1.9 TF mRNA molecules per monocyte). As TF mRNA levels increased, thrombin generation was augmented. Peak levels of TAT and F1 + 2 were reached later (at t +4 hours) than those of TF mRNA. TF mRNA, TAT, and F1 + 2 levels returned to baseline after 24 hours. In conclusion, we used a NASBA/ECL-based technique to quantify TF mRNA in whole blood during human endotoxemia and observed a 125-fold increase in TF mRNA levels. Our data demonstrate a pivotal role for enhanced TF gene activity in the activation of coagulation after LPS challenge. (Blood. 2000;96:554-559)

Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) detection of medically important Candida species.

Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification (iNASBA), an isothermal amplification technique for nucleic acids, was evaluated for the identification of medically important Candida species using primers selected from 18S rRNA sequences conserved in fungi. An RNA fragment of 257 nucleotides was amplified for Candida albicans. Nineteen different fungi were tested for rRNA amplification with the NASBA. All were positive when analyzed on agarose gel, whereas human RNA was negative. For the identification of Candida species, NASBA amplification products were analyzed in an enzyme bead-based detection format, using species-specific biotinylated probes and a generic Candida HRPO probe or a membrane-based system using biotinylated probes and avidin-HPRO. Discrimination of the major human pathogenic Candida spp. was based on a panel of biotinylated probes for C. krusei, C. tropicalis, C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. lusitaniae. Using rRNA dilutions obtained from pure cultures of C. albicans, the combination of NASBA and the enzymatic bead-based detection yielded a sensitivity equivalent to 0.01 CFU. In a model system using 1 ml of artificially contaminated blood as few as 1-10 CFU of C. albicans could be detected. Testing of 68 clinical blood samples from patients suspected of candidemia showed that eight samples were positive for C. albicans and one for C. glabrata. Testing of 13 clinical plasma samples from patients suspected of fungemia identified the presence of C. albicans in two specimens. The whole procedure of sample preparation, amplification and identification by hybridization can be performed in 1 day. This speed and the observed sensitivity of the assay make the NASBA a good alternative to PCR for the detection of candidemia.

A novel quantitative multiplex NASBA method: application to measuring tissue factor and CD14 mRNA levels in human monocytes.

A new method to quantify two individual mRNAs in a single NASBA reaction is described. In this study, tissue factor and CD14 mRNAs were used as a model system. RNA ratios of -4 to +4 log units were determined with good precision (within 0.3 log) and accuracy (within 0.2 log). By measuring both mRNAs in human monocytes that were stimulated with LPS, the multiplex Q-NASBA proved to be a successful tool to monitor the expression levels of two individual mRNAs in a single-tube amplification system. The method has potential in all fields in which quantitative information is needed on two individual RNAs.

Vernier zone residue 4 of mouse subgroup II kappa light chains is a critical determinant for antigen recognition.

BACKGROUND: During the conversion of murine monoclonal antibodies directed against the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) into bacterially expressed single chain fragments (scFv), we found a major reduction of binding activity upon introduction of a primer encoded mutation. OBJECTIVES: In this study we tried to determine which mutation was responsible and on what manner this mutation affected antigen binding (structural effect versus direct involvement of the residue in binding). RESULTS: No binding could be detected, when the wild type residue methionine at position 4 within the Framework region 1 of the Vkappa light chain was substituted by serine in two antibodies with a subgroup II kappa light chain. However, a similar replacement within an anti-hCG antibody with a subgroup IV kappa light chain and thereby having leucine as wild type residue, did not affect the binding characteristics. The mutant scFv's derived from both AB-s sensitive for substitution by serine never reacted with antigen in ELISA. Analysis with surface plasmon resonance revealed a residual binding only on a sensorchip with a high density coating of antigen; however, an increased dissociation, relative to that of the wild type scFv and the absence of reactivity in ELISA suggest a drastically altered affinity. CONCLUSION: A structural explanation for the changed binding characteristics can be the influence of the position 4 residue, as being a constituent of the Vernier zone, on the position of the CDR1 loop of Vkappa, which might harbour residues that directly bind to antigen, or indirectly positions other variable loops of the binding pocket. An increased sensitivity for trypsin digestion supported the hypothesis of a local conformational change in the serine mutant of the subgroup II kappa containing antibody.

Monitoring of Chlamydia trachomatis infections after antibiotic treatment using RNA detection by nucleic acid sequence based amplification.

AIM: To investigate the value of RNA detection by nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA) for the monitoring of Chlamydia trachomatis infections after antibiotic treatment. METHODS: Cervical smears (n = 97) and urine specimens (n = 61) from 25 C trachomatis positive female patients were analysed for the presence of C trachomatis 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) by NASBA and C trachomatis plasmid DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) before and up to five weeks after antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Chlamydia trachomatis RNA was found in all cervical smears taken before antibiotic treatment (n = 24) and in two smears taken one week after antibiotic treatment; no C trachomatis RNA was detected after two weeks or more. In contrast, C trachomatis DNA was found in all such specimens before treatment, and 21 of 25, six of 21, and five of 20 smears were found to be positive at one, two, and three weeks after treatment, respectively. After four weeks, only one of six smears was positive, and this smear had been negative in the two preceding weeks. Of the 61 urine samples investigated, C trachomatis DNA and C trachomatis RNA were found in all before treatment (n = 15), whereas one week after treatment four of 15 were C trachomatis DNA positive and C trachomatis RNA was detected in one sample only. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that RNA detection by NASBA can be used successfully to monitor C trachomatis infections after antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, it might be possible to use urine specimens as a test of cure because neither C. trachomatis DNA or RNA could be detected two weeks or more after treatment.

Selection of recombinant, library-derived antibody fragments against p24 for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 diagnostics.

By application of combinatorial library technology, we generated the first recombinant antibody fragments directed against the major capsid protein p24 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). A library of single-chain Fv fragments (scFvs) was constructed by using the antibody variable-region (V) genes of B cells derived from the spleen of a viral lysate-immunized mouse. Antibodies were selected by panning or by enrichment with biotinylated antigen, yielding four different families of antibody fragments. The different types of scFvs were characterized by affinity measurements, by antigen recognition on Western blots, and by pepscan analysis. The epitope of one of the scFvs is located near the residues involved in CypA binding, thereby making it an attractive candidate for therapeutic applications. Comparison of the V gene sequence of this scFV with that of a previously described monoclonal antibody reactive against this immunodominant epitope revealed the usage of the identical combination of VH and Vkappa regions. Thus, this is one of the rare examples in which the original combination in a library-derived antibody fragment was retrieved. After appropriate affinity and format improvements, the best of our recombinant scFvs may form the basis for a sensitive p24 assay as a measure of viral load. In addition, anti-p24 scFvs could be expressed as intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) to aid in the treatment of HIV infections.

Molecular beacon probes combined with amplification by NASBA enable homogeneous, real-time detection of RNA.

Molecular beacon probes can be employed in a NASBA amplicon detection system to generate a specific fluorescent signal concomitantly with amplification. A molecular beacon, designed to hybridize within the target sequence, was introduced into NASBA reactions that amplify the genomic RNA of potato leafroll virus (PLRV). During amplification, the probe anneals to the antisense RNA amplicon generated by NASBA, producing a specific fluorescent signal that can be monitored in real-time. The assay is rapid, sensitive and specific. As RNA amplification and detection can be carried out in unopened vessels, it minimizes the risk of carry-over contaminations. Robustness has been verified on real-world samples. This homogeneous assay, called AmpliDet RNA, is a significant improvement over current detection methods for NASBA amplicons and is suitable for one-tube applications ranging from high-throughput diagnostics to in vivo studies of biological activities.

A sensitive and robust method for measles RNA detection.

The aim of this study was to compare measles RNA amplification methods and to develop and select the most rapid, sensitive and robust procedure. The use of hybrid capture for measles RNA isolation was evaluated, and three RNA amplification detection techniques were compared. These were: (a) reverse transcription followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with MMLV reverse transcriptase and Taq polymerase; (b) a combined RT-PCR reaction using rTth polymerase; and (c) NASBA. An internal positive control was also developed. The sensitivities of the detection methods were quantified by using a dilution series of a known amount of total RNA from measles-infected Vero cells or by calculation of the number of transcript molecules (produced from a recombinant plasmid containing an insert measles nucleoprotein DNA) present in each amplification reaction, respectively. The results indicated that hybrid capture followed by combined RT-PCR with rTth polymerase was the most reproducibly robust and sensitive protocol and could detect as few as 10(4) synthetic measles RNA transcripts added to tissue homogenates. However, NASBA proved to be the most sensitive method for measles RNA detection in water.

Absolute conservation of residue 6 of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable regions of class IIA is required for correct folding.

While studying the expression of single-chain antibodies (scFv) derived from several murine monoclonal antibodies, we found that residue 6 in Framework region 1 of the heavy chain variable domain plays a crucial role in antibody folding. Binding activity of three murine antibodies with a heavy chain variable region (VH) subgroup IIA was completely lost when at this position the wild-type residue glutamine (Q) was substituted by glutamate (E). Increased sensitivity towards trypsin digestion of soluble scFv suggested that the lack of binding activity was caused by incorrect folding of Q6E mutants. Grafting of the three additional class IA derived FR1 residues, based upon the comparison between both classes of VH sequences, on to the 'defect' subgroup IIA sequence, partially restored the antigen binding activity of the Q6E-containing scFv. Our results suggest that residue 6 of the heavy chain may be part of a folding nucleus, involving the first two beta-strands of Framework region 1. The evolutionary conservation of either glutamine or glutamate at position 6 in different antibody families may well indicate that within immunoglobulin VH domains, different family specific folding nuclei have evolved.

Selection of human anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope single-chain antibodies from a peripheral blood cell-based phage repertoire.

Monoclonal antibodies play an important role in the development of diagnostic assays. Instead of using hybridoma technology to isolate human immunodeficiency virus type 1-specific antibodies, a phage-displayed antibody library was generated from a small number (10(7)) of peripheral blood lymphocytes from a seropositive donor. Two families of single-chain antibodies (scFvs) were selected by biopanning with the envelope precursor gp160. ELISA and competition in the BIAcore system revealed that one antibody family recognized a conformation-sensitive epitope within gp120, while the other antibody family was gp41-specific. The latter group had sequence similarity to antibodies recognizing the cluster III epitope of gp41. Binding of scFvs to gp160 could be inhibited with the donor's serum antibodies, indicating that antibodies with a similar specificity were circulating in the donor's blood. Competition experiments suggested that the epitope of the anti-gp41 antibodies was recognized by a broad range of patients' sera: 21 out of 22 sera from North American and all 20 sera from African seropositive patients inhibited binding of scFvs. In contrast, three sera from this panel did not react with the epitope of the anti-gp120 antibodies. These data indicate that, because of the conserved nature of its epitope, the anti-gp41 antibody will be suitable for diagnostic applications.

Direct detection of potato leafroll virus in potato tubers by immunocapture and the isothermal nucleic acid amplification method NASBA.

NASBA, an isothermal amplification method for nucleic acids, was applied to the detection of RNA of potato leafroll virus (PLRV) in a single enzymatic reaction at 41 degrees C. A set of primers was selected from the coat protein open reading frame sequence of PLRV to allow amplification of viral RNA. The NASBA reaction products were visualized after electrophoresis by ethidium bromide or acridine orange staining. The specificity of the amplification products was validated by Northern blot analysis with a PLRV-specific 32P-labelled oligonucleotide probe. The procedure was coupled to immunocapture of PLRV virions from tuber extracts by immobilized antibodies in microtubes. It was possible to discriminate readily by this method between uninfected and primarily PLRV-infected potato tubers. NASBA is suitable for the direct detection of PLRV in potato tubers from primarily infected plants, offering the potential to considerably simplify the inspection of seed-potatoes for virus infection.

RNA amplification by nucleic acid sequence-based amplification with an internal standard enables reliable detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in cervical scrapings and urine samples.

In the present study, the suitability of RNA amplification by nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was investigated. When comparing different primer sets for their sensitivities in NASBA, use of both the plasmid and omp1 targets resulted in a detection limit of 1 inclusion-forming unit (IFU), while the 16S rRNA appeared to be the most sensitive RNA target for amplification (10(-3) IFU). In contrast, for DNA amplification by PCR, the plasmid target was optimal (10(-2) IFU), which is 10 times less sensitive than rRNA NASBA. To exclude false negativity in NASBA detection because of inhibition of amplification and/or inefficient sample preparation, an internal standard was developed. The internal control was added prior to sample preparation. This 16S rRNA NASBA with an internal control was compared with a plasmid DNA PCR by using a group of C. trachomatis-negative (n = 41) and -positive (n = 37) cervical scrapings, as determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). In addition, urine samples from the EIA-positive women were tested (n = 17). Both NASBA and PCR assays were able to detect C. trachomatis in all EIA-positive cervical scrapings, the corresponding urine samples, and two samples from the EIA-negative group. The internal NASBA standard was found clearly in all EIA-negative samples. In conclusion, these results indicate that detection of C. trachomatis by RNA amplification by NASBA with an internal standard is a suitable and highly sensitive detection method, with potential use in the diagnosis of urogenital C. trachomatis infections with cervical scrapings as well as urine specimens.

Use of NASBA RNA amplification for detection of Mycobacterium leprae in skin biopsies from untreated and treated leprosy patients.

This study was performed to assess the value of NASBA RNA amplification of a 16S rRNA target for the detection of presumably viable Mycobacterium leprae in sections of skin biopsies from leprosy patients. The NASBA positivity rate was 90.4% (84/93) for untreated multibacillary (MB) patients [bacterial index (BI) > or = 2] and 16.7% (8/48) for the untreated paucibacillary (PB) patients (BI < 2). NASBA positivity showed a good concordance with the presence of solidly stained M. leprae [morphological index (MI)] in skin biopsies from leprosy patients, but no relationship could be demonstrated between the strength of the NASBA signals and the BI. Furthermore, the usefulness of the detection of 16S rRNA by NASBA to monitor the efficacy of leprosy treatment was investigated using an additional 154 biopsy specimens analyzed from 80 MB patients during the course of treatment. The NASBA positivity rate declined during treatment. A significant decrease was observed after only 1-3 months. These results favor the view that detection of RNA by NASBA may reflect the viability of M. leprae.

Typing of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, NASBA.

Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, NASBA, is an isothermal amplification technique for nucleic acids and was used for typing a collection of 24 Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains. A set of primers was chosen from the 16S rRNA sequence alignment of Mycoplasma species. The nucleotide sequences of the (-)RNA amplicons were determined for M. pneumoniae strains M15/83 (type 1) and FH (type 2), and revealed a one-point difference at the 16S rRNA level between the two types. Based on this result, two type-specific probes were constructed. The probes were hybridized in solution with the amplified nucleic acids of 24 M. pneumoniae strains in an enzyme-linked gel assay (ELGA). The results obtained by NASBA-based typing are in agreement with the classification of the 24 M. pneumoniae strains into two types by other typing methods, confirming the reliability of this technique.