Abstract:
The invention relates to a PCR based prototype kit for detecting  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae  comprising: a transport medium for sample collection solution A and B, a reaction mixture having the primer for  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae,  a gel loading dye, Agarose gel, gel running buffer and a DNA marker ladder.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to a PCR-based prototype kit for detecting  chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae.    
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     In India  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae , are detected by separate method in spite of the fact about 50% of the sample are co-infected. The usual method of detection is Gram-staining followed by confirmation like, antigen detection or biochemical assay. Both these methods are highly unsatisfactory, especially in asymptomatic patient (where the infection load is low). At present in India few private pathological laboratory are carrying out PCR based diagnostic, for which they are completely dependent on the import of kit. There is no indigenous diagnostic kit available for  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae  at present.  
         [0003]     The drawbacks of the term existing state of art is as follows:  
         [0004]     Culture method: Sensitivity of this method is as low as 50% as organisms may lose infectivity during transportation and storage, which will reduce the likelihood of propagation. In addition, the surface area of the cell culture layer and/or the amount of sample material added to the cell culture influence the sensitivity. Cell culture, however, is time-consuming, laborious and expensive and can therefore be provided by only a few central laboratories.  
         [0005]     Antigen Detection: The diagnostic efficacy of these methods is not high enough to warrant clinical use unless the need for a fast result overweighs the lower diagnostic accuracy. Also, the ELISA tests may reveal positive results in the presence of other organisms such as  E. coli  and  Bacteroides sp , and  Staphylococcus aureus  may be captured instead of  Chlamydia  due to binding to the F c  region of the antibodies, thereby causing false-positive reactions. DFA requires skilled personnel in order to differentiate  C. trachomatis  organisms from non-specific fluorescent particles.  
         [0006]     DNA/RNA Detection: The diagnostic performance of non-amplified probe technique is not substantially different from that of the best ELISA.  
         [0007]     Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs): Target gene for NAATs The Plasmid: Some studies give evidence or suggest that the plasmid-free variants are present in clinical samples, and although it may seem that plasmid is involved in DNA replication, it has been possible to culture a plasmid-free variant. Thus, the infections caused by plasmid-free variants will be undetected if the plasmid is used as target gene.  
         [0008]     The 16S-rRNA gene: Due to high homology of the 16S rRNA gene with other organisms, optimal reaction conditions are crucial in order to avoid annealing of primers to 16S-rRNA genes of the other organisms that are present in all non-sterile clinical samples.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     An object of this invention is to propose a PCR-based prototype kit for detecting  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae  simultaneously and individually.  
         [0010]     Another object of this invention is to propose a kit which is cost effective.  
         [0011]     Further object of this invention is to propose a kit which reduces the chances of error and any cross contamination.  
         [0012]     Still further object of this invention is to propose a kit which can be operated without any technical expertise.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     According to this invention there is provided a PCR based prototype kit for detecting  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae  comprising: A transport medium for sample collection solution A &amp; B, a reaction mixture having the primers for  Chlamydia trachomatis  &amp;  Neisseria gonorrhoeae , a gel loading dye, Agarose gel, gel running buffer and a DNA marker ladder. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     In the present invention a multiplex PCR based prototype kit for the detection of the  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae , based on designed primers (patent in process). The kit contains all the reagents for collection of clinical samples, for carrying out amplification by PCR and the detection of the products, as well as the protocol to be used for diagnosis of  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae  in patient samples. Furthermore, three kits have been developed:  
         [0015]     Kit for diagnosis of sample infected with  Chlamydia trachomatis  with an internal control.  
         [0016]     Kit for diagnosis of sample infected with  Chlamydia trachomatis  without internal control.  
         [0017]     Kit for detection of  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria gonorrhoeae  simultaneously.  
         [0018]     This present invention has been explained in greater detail in the examples:  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0019]     Prototype kit one for diagnosis of  Chlamydia Trachomatis    
         [0020]     Kit with internal control.  
       Protocol 1  
       [0021]     Sample collection:  
         [0022]     Sample is collected as a swab and is dipped in the vial containing sterile 1 ml Transport medium and stored at 4° C. for several hours or freezer for a maximum time up to one week.  
         [0023]     Preparation of Sample DNA: 
    1. Take 500 μl of collected sample cocktail, in a fresh microcentrifuge tube (1.5 ml) and centrifuge at 15,000 g, for 30 minute at 4° C.     2. Discard the supernatant carefully without disturbing the pellet.     3. Mixed the appropriate amount of solution (Solution A, 48 μl+Solution B, 2 μl) before use.     4. Suspend the pellet from step 3 in 50 μl of the above solution.     5. Incubated at 37° C. for 1 hr.     6. Now incubate the sample at 100° C. for 10 minute.     7. Spin at 10,000 rpm for 2 minute.     8. Collect the supernatant carefully in separate tube (Designated as Sample DNA).    
 
         [0032]     Setting up the PCR:  
                                                       Sample DNA   08 μl           Reaction mixture I   26 μl           Reaction mixture II   16 μl                      
 
         [0033]     PCR program:  
                                                                         Step   Temp   Duration                                    One cycle   1   94° C.    5 minutes       35 cycles of   2   95° C.   30 seconds       step 2 to 4,   3   63° C.   30 seconds           4   72° C.   30 seconds       One cycle   5   72° C.    5 minute           6    4° C.   Tubes can be taken out                   after keeping for 10 minute at 4° C.                  
 
         [0034]     After completing the PCR reaction, add 10 μl of the loading dye. Fractionate the product on the agarose gel (1.5%), by loading 25-30 μl the sample per well as described below.  
         [0035]     Preparation of agarose gel:  
         [0036]     Protocol: 
    1. To prepare 100 ml of a 1.5% agarose solution, weigh 1.5 g agarose into a glass beaker or flask and add 100 ml 1× Running buffer (Dilute from 50× Running buffer before use     2. Microwave or stir on a hot plate until agarose is dissolved and solution is clear.     3. Allow solution to cool to about 55° C. before pouring.     4. Prepare gel tray by sealing ends with tape or other custom-made dam.     5. Place comb in gel tray about 1 inch from one end of the tray and position the comb vertically such that the teeth are about 1-2 mm above the surface of the tray.     6. Pour gel solution into tray to a depth of about 5 mm. Allow gel to solidify about 20 minutes at room temperature.     7. To run, gently remove the comb, place tray in electrophoresis chamber, and cover (just until wells are submerged) with 1× Running buffer (the same buffer used to prepare the agarose)     8. Load 25-30 μl of PCR product with loading dye per well. Use one lane for loading 5 μl of the marker DNA.     9. Electrophoresis at 50-150 volts until orange dye have migrated an appropriate distance (about 5-6 cms).     10. Excess agarose can be stored at room temperature and remelted in a microwave and can be used again.    
 
         [0047]     Result analysis: 
        A. All reaction, give PCR product of 800 base pair for internal control. This proves PCR reaction is working fine and there is no inhibitor of PCR in the clinical sample.     B. Only  Chlamydia Trachomatis  positive sample, give an extra band of 368 bp as is evident from the DNA size marker lane.        
 
         [0050]     Alternate protocol for sample preparation from clinical samples.  
       Protocol 2  
       [0051]     Preparation of Sample DNA: 
    1. Take 500 μl of collected sample cocktail, in a fresh microcentrifuge tube (1.5 ml) and centrifuge at 15,000 g, for 30 minute at 4° C.     2. Discard the supernatant carefully without disturbing the pellet.     3. Suspend the pellet from step 2 in 50 μl of TE solution.     4. Now incubate the sample at 100° C. for 10 minute     5. Spin at 10,000 rpm for 2 minute.     6. Collect the supernatant carefully in separate tube (Designated as Sample DNA).    
 
         [0058]     All other steps will be as mentioned in the detailed assay.  
       COMPONENTS SUPPLIED IN THE KIT ONE  
       [0000]    
       
          1. Transport Medium for sample collection  
          2. Solution A  
          3. Solution B  
          4. Reaction mixture I  
          5. Reaction mixture II  
          6. Gel loading dye  
          7. Agarose gel  
          8. Gel running buffer (50×)  
          9. DNA marker ladder  
          10. TE solution  
          11. Protocol 1  
          12. Protocol 2  
       
     
         [0071]     Annexure: 2  
         [0072]     Prototype kit two for diagnosis of  Chlamydia Trachomatis    
         [0073]     Kit II without Internal control  
       Protocol 1  
       [0074]     Sample collection:  
         [0075]     Sample is collected as a swab and is dipped in the vial containing sterile 1m1 Transport medium and stored at 4° C. for several hours or in freezer for a (maximum time up to one week).  
         [0076]     Preparation of Sample DNA: 
    1. Take 500 μl of collected sample cocktail, in a fresh microcentrifuge tube (1.5 ml) and centrifuge at 15,000 g, for 30 minute at 4° C.     2. Discard the supernatant carefully without disturbing the pellet.     3. Mixed the appropriate amount of solution (Solution A, 48 μl+Solution B, 2 μl) before use.     4. Suspend the pellet from step 3 in 50 μl of the above solution.     5. Incubated at 37° C. for 1 hr.     6. Now incubate the sample at 100° C. for 10 minute     7. Spin at 10,000 rpm for 2 minute.     8. Collect the supernatant carefully in separate tube (Designated as Sample DNA).    
 
         [0085]     Setting up the PCR:  
                                                       Sample DNA   08 μl           Reaction mixture I   26 μl           Reaction mixture II   16 μl                      
 
         [0086]     PCR program:  
                                                                                                       Step   Temp   Duration                                        One cycle   1   94° C.   5   minutes           35 cycles of   2   95° C.   30   seconds           step 2 to 4,   3   63° C.   30   seconds               4   72° C.   30   seconds           One cycle   5   72° C.   5   minutes                    6    4° C.   Tubes can be taken out                       after keeping for 10                       minute at 4° C.                      
 
         [0087]     After completing the PCR reaction, add 10 μl of the loading dye. Fractionate the product on the agarose gel (1.5%), by loading 25-30 μl the sample per well as described below.  
         [0088]     Protocol: 
    1. To prepare 100 ml of a 1.5-% agarose solution, weigh 1.5-g agarose into a glass beaker or flask and add 100 ml 1× Running buffer. (Dilute from 50× gel running buffer before use)     2. Microwave or stir on a hot plate until agarose is dissolved and solution is clear.     3. Allow solution to cool to about 55° C. before pouring.     4. Prepare gel tray by sealing ends with tape or other custom-made dam.     5. Place comb in gel tray about 1 inch from one end of the tray and position the comb vertically such that the teeth are about 1-2 mm above the surface of the tray     6. Pour gels solution into tray to a depth of about 5 mm. Allow gel to solidify about 20 minutes at room temperature.     7. To run, gently remove the comb, place tray in electrophoresis chamber, and cover (just until wells are submerged) with 1× Running buffer (the same buffer used to prepare the agarose)     8. Load 25-30 μl of PCR product with loading dye per well. Use one lane for loading 5 μl of the marker DNA.     9. Electrophoresis at 50-150 volts until orange dye have migrated an appropriate distance (about 5-6 cms).     10. Excess agarose can be stored at room temperature and remelted in a microwave and can be used again.    
 
         [0099]     Result analysis:  
         [0100]     Only  Chlamydia trachomatis  positive sample give a band of 368 bp as is evident from the DNA size marker lane.  
       COMPONENTS SUPPLIED IN THE KIT  
       [0000]    
       
          1. Transport medium for sample collection  
          2. Solution A  
          3. Solution B  
          4. Reaction mixture I  
          5. Reaction mixture II  
          6. Gel loading dye  
          7. Agarose gel  
          8. Gel running buffer (50×)  
          9. DNA marker ladder  
          10. TE solution  
          11. Protocol 1  
          12. Protocol 2  
       
     
         [0113]     Alternate protocol for sample preparation from clinical samples.  
         
       [0114]     Protocol 2  
         [0115]     Preparation of Sample DNA: 
    1. Take 500 μl of collected sample cocktail, in a fresh microcentrifuge tube (1.5 ml) and centrifuge at 15,000 g, for 30 minutes at 4° C.     2. Discard the supernatant carefully without disturbing the pellet.     3. Suspend the pellet from step 2 in 50 μl of TE solution.     4. Now incubate the sample at 100° C. for 10 minute     5. Spin at 10,000 rpm for 2 minute.     6. Collect the supernatant carefully in separate tube (Designated as Sample DNA).    
 
         [0122]     All other protocols will be as mentioned in the detailed assay.  
         [0123]     Annexure: 3  
         [0124]     Prototype Kit III  
         [0125]     For diagnosis of  Chlamydia trachomatis  and  Neisseria Gonorrhoeae  Kit III with internal control.  
         [0126]     Protocol  
         [0127]     Sample collection:  
         [0128]     Sample is collected as a swab and is dipped in the vial containing sterile 1m1 Transport medium and stored at 4° C. for several hours or in freezer for a (maximum time up to one week).  
         [0129]     Preparation of Sample DNA: 
    1. Take 500 μl of collected sample cocktail, in a fresh microcentrifuge tube (1.5 ml) and centrifuge at 15,000 g, for 30 minute at 4° C.     2. Discard the supernatant carefully without disturbing the pellet.     3. Mixed the appropriate amount of solution (Solution A, 48 μl+Solution B, 2 μl) before use.     4. Suspend the pellet from step 3 in 50 μl of the above solution.     5. Incubated at 37° C. for 1 hr.     6. Now incubate the sample at 100° C. for 10 minute.     7. Spin at 10,000 rpm for 2 minute.     8. Collect the supernatant carefully in separate tube (Designated as Sample DNA).    
 
         [0138]     Setting up the PCR:  
                                                       Sample DNA   08 μl           Reaction mixture 1   26 μl           Reaction mixture II   16 μl                      
 
         [0139]     PCR program:  
                                                                                                       Step   Temp   Duration                                        One cycle   1   94° C.   5   minutes           35 cycles of   2   94° C.   45   seconds           step 2 to 4,   3   50° C.   45   seconds               4   72° C.   45   seconds           One cycle   5   72° C.   5   minutes                    6    4° C.   Tubes can be taken out                       after keeping for 10                       minutes at 4° C.                      
 
         [0140]     After completing the PCR reaction, add 10 μl of the loading dye. Fractionate the product on the agarose gel (1.5%), by loading 25-30 μl the sample per well as described below.  
         [0141]     Protocol: 
    1. To prepare 100 ml of a 1.5-% agarose solution, weigh 1.5-g agarose into a glass beaker or flask and add 100 ml 1× Running buffer (Dilute form 50× running buffer by taking 98 ml water and 2 ml of 50× running buffer ).     2. Microwave or stir on a hot plate until agarose is dissolved and solution is clear.     3. Allow solution to cool to about 55° C. before pouring.     4. Prepare gel tray by sealing ends with tape or other custom-made dam.     5. Place comb in gel tray about 1 inch from one end of the tray and position the comb vertically such that the teeth are about 1-2 mm above the surface of the tray.     6. Pour gel solution into tray to a depth of about 5 mm. Allow gel to solidify about 20 minutes at room temperature.     7. To run, gently remove the comb, place tray in electrophoresis chamber, and cover (just until wells are submerged) with 1× Running buffer (the same buffer used to prepare the agarose)     8. Load 25-30 μl of PCR product with loading dye per well. Use one lane for loading 5 μl of the marker DNA.     9. Electrophoresis at 5-150 volts until orange dye have migrated an appropriate distance (about 5 cms).     10. Excess agarose can be stored at room temperature and remelted in a microwave and can be use again.    
 
         [0152]     Result analysis: 
        A. All reaction, PCR product of 800 base pair for internal control. This proves PCR reaction is working fine and there is no inhibitor of PCR in the clinical sample.     B.  Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae , gives two extra band of 368 bp for  Chlamydia trachomatis  and 260 bp for  Neisseria gonorrhoeae , as is evident from the DNA size marker lane.     C. Only  Chlamydia trachomatis , positive sample, gives one extra band of 368 bp. as is evident from the DNA size marker lane.     D. Only  Neisseria gonorrhoeae , positive sample, gives one extra band of 260 bp, as is evident from the DNA size marker lane.        
 
       COMPONENTS SUPPLIED IN THE KIT  
       [0000]    
       
          1. Transport medium for sample collection  
          2. Solution A  
          3. Solution B  
          4. Reaction mixture I  
          5. Reaction mixture II  
          6. Gel loading dye  
          7. Agarose gel  
          8. Gel running buffer 950×)  
          9. DNA marker ladder  
          10. Protocol