Ready to use dry-reagent PCR assays for the four common bacterial pathogens using switchable lanthanide luminescence probe system

•Easy to use dry-reagent PCR assay for pathogenic bacteria were developed•Switchable probe system provides exceptionally high signal-to-background ratio•Simple and reliable bacteria detection without laboratory facilities or expertise•Rapid clinical diagnostics with suitable sample preparation method

Ready to use dry-reagent PCR assays for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas spp. and for broad-range bacteria detection were developed. The assays were based on novel switchable lanthanide probes that provide sensitive target DNA detection with exceptionally high signal-to-background ratio, thus enabling clear discrimination between positive and negative results. For example, sensitivity of three S. aureus and two S. pneumonia bacteria (colony forming units) per PCR assay was measured with fluorescence signal more than 30 times over the background signal level. The rapid and easy-to-use assays are suitable for routine clinical diagnostics without molecular biology expertise and facilities.