Reply to Yu et al. [2]
Journal
Journal of Infectious Diseases
Journal Volume
195
Journal Issue
8
Pages
1236
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Lin T.-L.
Abstract
To the Editor—Our studies are in agreement with Yu et al.'s [1] observation that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is sensitive and specific for detecting both serotype K1 [2] and K2 (data not shown). Studies from other researchers have also shown similar results that PCR and PCR—restriction fragment length polymorphism can be used to differentiate the capsular serotypes [3, 4]. We also find that by PCR rmpA is present in several serotypes of K. pneumoniae strains, including K1 and K2 (data not shown). That may be the reason why rmpA appeared to more sensitive but less specific than magA in detecting primary liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae [5], given that K1 and K2 are the 2 major strains causing this disease [6].
Type
letter