A real-time PCR assay for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Objective To established a simple, rapid real-time PCR assay to detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae in clinical specimens. Methods By analyzing the p1 gene sequence of M. pneumoniae isolates, an optimized real-time PCR assay was designed. The specificity and sensitivity of this assay were evaluated and compared with conventional PCR assay using clinical specimens. Results The detection limit of the real-time PCR assay was about 10 cfu. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were high. This real-time PCR assay was superior to conventional PCR in clinical specimen detection. Conclusion The real-time PCR assay is suitable for the detection of M. pneumoniae in clinical specimens.