Analysis of Toxophasma Gondii by Real-Time PCR Method (CAT#: STEM-MB-3192-LGZ)

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic and successful coccidian parasite capable of infect virtually all homoeothermic vertebrates, including human beings1,2. Domestic cats and other Felidae constitute its specific definitive hosts3, and all non-feline animals are regarded as intermediate hosts; however, T. gondii can also undergo asexual reproduction in tissues of Felidae acting as intermediate hosts.<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.