Detection of mutations in dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) and dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) in Plasmodium falciparum in eastern Sudan
ABSTRACT: Commercial swab transport systems are used for collection and transporting of fecal and other microbiological samples. This system must maintain viability and contribute to survival of microorganisms during transport to the laboratory. Four swab transport systems have been compared, eSwab, ?- Transwab and fecalSwab, all three with flocked swabs, and Copan Venturi Transystem with rayon swabs. The study followed the recommendations from the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute; document M40-A for recovery of Samonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae after storage for 0, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h at room- (22-25°C) and refrigerated (2-8ºC) temperature. A fecal sample has also been inoculated with Salmonella or Shigella to simulate a fecal sample positive for Salmonella or Shigella. Recovery of all strains was higher with eSwab, ?- Transwab and fecalswab than with Copan Venturi Transystem stored at both temperatures. A heavy growth was observed with all transport systems after storage for 24, 48 and 72 h at room temperature, except for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Shigella. The number of CFU for all strains was constant up to 72 h at refrigerated temperature with Copan Venturi Transystem. In the experiment with fecal sample recovery of Salmonella and Shigella was best with fecalSwab at both storage temperatures. ESwab,?- Transwab and fecalSwab are equivalent and can be used as an alternative to Copan Venturi Transystem with better survival of enteric pathogens and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Fecal samples should be refrigerated in order to avoid heavy overgrowth of fecal flora.