Development and Validation of a P-35S, T-nos, T-35S and P-FMV Tetraplex Real-time PCR Screening Method to Detect Regulatory Genes of Genetically Modified Organisms in Food.

In routine analysis screening methods based on real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) are most commonly used for the detection of genetically modified (GM) plant material in food and feed. Screening tests are based on sequences frequently used for GM development, allowing the detection of a large number of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Here, we describe the development and validation of a tetraplex real-time PCR screening assay comprising detection systems for the regulatory genes Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter, Agrobacterium tumefaciens nos terminator, Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S terminator and Figwort Mosaic Virus 34S promoter.

Outbreak of acute gastroenteritis due to a washwater-contaminated water supply, Switzerland, 2008.

An operating error in a sewage treatment plant led to severe drinking water contamination in a well-defined district of a suburban municipality of Zurich, Switzerland. Despite the alert issued to the local population on the same day advising people not to consume the contaminated water, cases of acute gastroenteric diseases were subsequently observed. Considerable faecal contamination was detected the day after the incident in water samples taken up to 500 m from the sewage plant.

Detection of new Enterocytozoon genotypes in faecal samples of farm dogs and a cat.

The microsporidian species Enterocytozoon bieneusi had emerged as opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients causing chronic diarrhoea and was found with high prevalences in faeces of asymptomatic pigs. Analysis of the ribosomal RNA gene internal transcribed spacer (rDNA ITS) had revealed that nine distinct but closely related genotypes occur in humans and in swine. Using primers that were designed to be specific for E.

High prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in swine with four genotypes that differ from those identified in humans.

The microsporidial species Enterocytozoon bieneusi is found among immunocompromised, particularly HIV-infected, patients with chronic diarrhoea, and rarely also among immunocompetent persons with self-limited diarrhoea. Only recently, E. bieneusi was detected in 4 pigs in Switzerland raising the question of a potential zoonotic nature of this parasite.