Performance characteristics of diagnostic assays for schistosomiasis in Ontario, Canada.

Introduction: Due to lower intensity of infection and greater intervals from last exposure, parasitologic detection methods for schistosomiasis are poorly sensitive in non-endemic areas, challenging accurate diagnosis.

Methods: We evaluated parasitologic indirect detection methods for schistosomiasis. We included specimens submitted for serology, and stool for ova and parasite microscopy.

Development and validation of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of clinical acanthamoebae.

Background: Suboptimal agreement between molecular assays for the detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in clinical specimens has been demonstrated, and poor assay sensitivity directly imperils the vision of those affected by amoebic keratitis (AK) through delayed diagnosis. We sought to develop and validate a single Taqman real time PCR assay targeting the Acanthamoeba 18S rRNA gene that could be used to enhance sensitivity and specificity when paired with reference assays.

Reevaluation of an Acanthamoeba Molecular Diagnostic Algorithm following an Atypical Case of Amoebic Keratitis.

Amoebic keratitis (AK) is a potentially blinding infection, the prompt diagnosis of which is essential for limiting ocular morbidity. We undertook a quality improvement initiative with respect to the molecular detection of acanthamoebae in our laboratory because of an unusual case of discordance. Nine ATCC strains of Acanthamoeba and 40 delinked, biobanked, surplus corneal scraping specimens were analyzed for the presence of acanthamoebae with four separate real-time PCR assays.

Regulatory compliance in solid-organ transplantation: what you don't know can hurt your program.

The risk of noncompliance with rules and regulations in solid-organ transplantation is significant and may lead to probation, suspension, or program closure. Transplant program leadership is responsible for ensuring that programs and centers are in compliance with regulations and data reporting requirements. As the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services prepare to implement new rules and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations positions itself to join the certification process for transplant programs, heightened awareness and vigilance by all members of the transplant community are warranted.

Genome-tagged mice (GTM): two sets of genome-wide congenic strains.

An important approach for understanding complex disease risk using the mouse is to map and ultimately identify the genes conferring risk. Genes contributing to complex traits can be mapped to chromosomal regions using genome scans of large mouse crosses. Congenic strains can then be developed to fine-map a trait and to ascertain the magnitude of the genotype effect in a chromosomal region.