title: DNA probe versus culture for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in clinical specimens.
abstract: The laboratory diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is often difficult because of lengthy and complicated cultural methods and serological tests that may be both insensitive and nonspecific. In this study, 82 patients suspected of Mycoplasma pneumonia were cultured for M. pneumoniae, and their respiratory secretions were tested by a DNA probe for M. pneumoniae. The probe test was 100% sensitive and 98% specific compared to culture. This DNA probe, then, is an effective alternative method for the detection of M. pneumoniae in respiratory specimens.
authors.affiliation: Microbiology Division, John Dempsey Hospital, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032-9984.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Tilton
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kidd
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Ryan
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D015342:DNA Probes; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009177:Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D015342:DNA Probes; D004269:DNA, Bacterial