Rapid detection and identification of Brugia malayi, B. pahangi, and Dirofilaria immitis by high-resolution melting assay.

Human lymphatic filariasis is caused by filarial worms such as Brugia malayi for which the major reservoir is domestic cats. However, domestic cats or dogs also carry nonhuman filaria such as Brugia pahangi and Dirofilaria immitis. We have developed a single-tube, real-time PCR with a high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis assay for detection and identification of B. malayi, B. pahangi, and D. immitis in blood samples. The designated primer pair in the PCR can amplify a 114-bp region of mitochondrial 12S rRNA genes of these filarial worms. Subsequently, the HRM assay showed a specific melting temperature for each species. The assay showed the highest sensitivity and specificity in comparison with DNA sequences after assessment with 34 cat and 14 dog blood samples. This assay could be helpful for epidemiological studies of reservoirs and vectors.