Analysis of Plasmodium Spp. by Real-Time PCR Method (CAT#: STEM-MB-3241-LGZ)

Introduction

Plasmodium spp. is a genus of protozoal (single-celled) parasites that are usually transmitted by mosquitoes and belong to the Plasmodiidae family. Four species of plasmodium infect humans (P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, P. falciparum) and trigger different forms of malaria. Plasmodium spp. are primarily transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.<br />A real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR, or qPCR) is a laboratory technique of molecular biology based on the polymerase chain reaction(PCR). It monitors the amplification of a targeted DNA molecule during the PCR(i.e.,in real time), not at its end, as in conventional PCR.<br />Two common methods for the detection of PCR products in real-time PCR are(1)non-specific fluorescent dyes that intercalate with any double-stranded DNA and (2)sequence-specific DNA probes consisting of oligonucleotides that are labelled with a fluorescent reporter, which permits detection only after hybridization of the probe with its complementary sequence.