New diagnostic methods for anaerobic bacteria.
The use of DNA probes and monoclonal antibodies as new diagnostic methods are described in this review. For each technique, the principles for preparation of reagents and the different immunological methods, in which monoclonal antibodies are used, are described. Specificities and sensitivities are discussed with special reference to anaerobic bacteria or their toxins. The two groups of methods are compared as rapid diagnostic methods for direct detection of anaerobes in patient samples. If we consider DNA probes, the radiolabelled are more sensitive and more specific, but results are obtained only after some days. Non-radioactive probes are less sensitive, but amplification procedures greatly enhance their sensitivity. Monoclonal antibodies give rapid results but their high specificity may be a disadvantage when the technique is used for rapid diagnostic purposes on patient samples. This problem may be reduced by the use of pools of several monoclonal antibodies.
Romond
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Faculté de Pharacie, Lille, France.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000592:standards; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000145:classification*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D015342:DNA Probes / Q000592:standards; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015342:DNA Probes