Clinical samples analyzed by PCR for M. ulcerans.

Table 4 indicates all samples tested by PCR at IHN and DITM. During the initial phase (phase I) samples were analyzed by standard gel-based IS2404 PCR at DITM. During the second phase (phase II) parallel samples were subjected to IS2404 dry-reagent based (DRB) PCR at INH and standard IS2404 PCR at DITM. During both phases all samples tested negative in standard PCR were subjected to re-testing by IS2404 quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) at DITM.aSwab, DNA extracts prepared from swab samples.bFNA, DNA extracts prepared from fine-needle aspirate samples.cPunch, DNA extracts prepared from 3 mm punch biopsy samples.dPhase I, initial phase of implementation of the national reference laboratory at INH from September through December 2010.eOnly samples tested negative in standard IS2404 PCR were subjected to IS2404 qPCR at DITM.fTotal amount of samples tested by DRB- and Standard PCR during the corresponding phases.gPhase II, transitional phase of implementation of the national reference laboratory at INH from January 2011 through April 2012.