[Nucleic-acid based diagnostics in clinical microbiology].
BACKGROUND
Detection of nucleic acids from infectious agents now has a fundamental role in diagnostic microbiology laboratories. Nucleic acid amplification methods have promoted this development.


METHODS
In this study we give a review of the field based on searches in Medline and our own experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Nucleic acid sequencing, hybridisation and electrophoresis complement the gene technology available for microbiological diagnosis. Recently, equipment for automated extraction of nucleic acids and real-time quantitative PCR has contributed to faster, more reliable and robust nucleic acid detection. An increasing number of microbiological agents and virulence genes can now be diagnosed in a variety of patient samples and supplemented with additional nucleic acid-based methods for genotyping and quantitative monitoring of drug resistance and therapeutic response.
Kalland
Karl-Henning
KH
Avdeling for mikrobiologi og immunologi, Gades Institutt, Bygg for biologiske basalfag, Universitetet i Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen. kalland@gades.uib.no
Myrmel
Helge
H
Nordbø
Svein Arne
SA
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D001483:Base Sequence; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011786:Quality Control; D012449:Safety; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology