A TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis in fecal and tissue samples from pigs

In the present study, a TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for detecting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of Lawsonia intracellularis in porcine native ileal mucosal scrapings, fecal samples, and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) ileal samples is described. Samples from 62 pigs were examined. The results of the qPCR were compared with results obtained with conventional detection methods (PCR, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and silver staining) from a previous study and correlated well. The qPCR assay proved to be very sensitive and specific. In particular, the sensitivity of TaqMan PCR was significantly higher than conventional PCR on FFPE tissues because of a much shorter amplicon. A higher number of copies per gram of sample material was detected in native mucosa and FFPE tissue compared with feces, especially in highly positive animals. The detection limit for the qPCR was at 4 copies per well in native mucosal scrapings and 18 copies per well in feces and FFPE tissue, respectively. Inhibition of the qPCR reaction was checked by simultaneous detection of a recombinant beta-actin plasmid using a second fluorescent probe. A decreased signal from this internal control plasmid revealed inhibition of the PCR reaction in 21% of native mucosal samples and 1.6% of fecal samples. With a 10-fold dilution of template, the inhibition could be overcome.