title: Applications of real-time PCR technology to mycobacterial research.
abstract: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is being used worldwide for various research purposes. In this review we discuss the principles of real-time PCR, different methodologies and chemistries available and their applications in mycobacterial research. This technology allows for the direct detection of PCR product during the exponential phase of the reaction. Being a very powerful, accurate, rapid and sensitive method, this technique holds immense promise for detection of mycobacteria, differentiation of mycobacterial species, quantification of mycobacterial load and detection of drug resistance in mycobacterial infection.
authors.affiliation: National JALMA Institute for Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases (ICMR), Agra, India.
authors.forename: Deepti
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Parashar
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Chauhan
authors.forename: V D
authors.initials: VD
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Katoch
mesh_terms: D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D013045:Species Specificity