Rapid Polmerase Chain Reaction and WNS

Rapid Polymerase Chain (PCR) reaction methods are quickly becoming the favored method for monitoring bat populations that have had access to WNS.  PCR was first developed by Kary Mullis in 1983 and has since been used for DNA cloning for sequencing, DNA-based phylogeny, or functional analysis of genes; the diagnosis of hereditary diseases; the identification of genetic fingerprints (used in forensic sciences and paternity testing); and the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases.  Polymerase Chain Reaction, for detecting White Nose Syndrome, offers a fast, reliable, and economic alternative to histology and culture samples.  Apart from being used to detect WNS, it is also used to detect pathogens in humans, plans, and animal species.  This technique allows biologists to determine if a bat has WNS within a matter of hours. 

 The process of the Polymerase Chain Reaction method requires that DNA be extracted using a commercial gDNA purification kit and potassium proteinase added to the solution.  No RNase treatment is performed on the concentration.  The final DNA solution gets measured with a spectrophotometer and is then diluted until the genomic DNA can be extracted with pure cultures of Geomyces destructans.  This process takes hours as opposed to days and is diagnostically 96% accurate. According to the Center for Biotechnological Information, a majority of PCR methods use temperature cycling of a PCR sample in a defined series of steps. These steps separate the two strands in DNA double helix at a high temperature, a process referred to as DNA melting. At a lower temperature, the strands are used as a model for DNA synthesis by the DNA polymerase, which amplifies the targeted compound.  This method is considered to be more accurate than the culture method, which maintains 54% accuracy.  

PCR testing methods require a 3mm x 3mm section of wing membrane for testing and results take a matter of hours to obtain.  Larger portions of skin result in inaccurate data, likely from the presence of nucleic acid or other inhibitors on wing tissues. PCR techniques are also highly favored because testing individuals does not require that the bat be killed or euthanized.