Microbial DNA diagnostic technology.
The principle objectives when creating a robust DNA diagnostic assay system are sensitivity, specificity and minimal read-time. To meet these ends, depending on the specifically defined test, various aspects of molecular hybridization methodology must be optimized. In particular, among other things, attention has focused on (i) formulating highly specific probes; (ii) devising sensitive nonisotopic detection systems, (iii) minimizing the extent of preparing clinical samples for assaying, (iv) amplifying the target sequence to augment sensitivity and (v) enhancing hybridization kinetics to speed up the reaction period. In this article, some recent studies that are directed to the development of nucleic acid hybridization systems for clinical diagnosis of microorganisms are considered.
Pasternak
J J
JJ
Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada