Diagnostic Evaluation of Streptococcus gallolyticus Infection in Patients with Colon Diseases by PCR Method

Objective: Different types of Streptococcus gallolyticus are associated with malignant colorectal cancer. This study aimed at scrutinizing the S. gallolyticus screening using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: A descriptive study was conducted to detect S. gallolyticus in 55 patients with colon diseases referring to hospitals in Babol and Chalus, Iran. PCR and culture techniques were performed. Detection of S. gallolyticus after DNA extraction from designed primers (PCO3 and PCO4) was done for SODA gene. Fisher's exact test was used for the analysis of PCR results. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of 55 biopsy samples of patients with colon diseases, 3 samples (5.5%) with 95% confidence interval and 52 samples (94.5%) were reported negative in terms of DNA of S. gallolyticus. In the analysis of PCR gels, the remaining 406 bp band after performing PCR showed that all samples were in good condition considering DNA quality. Conclusion: Specific probes have been designed from S. gallolyticus l6S rD. PCR techniques now allow for rapid identification of S. gallolyticus strains for clinical and other scientific investigations in colon disease.