[Clinically significant improvements in clinical microbiology].
Technical developments have made several clinically significant improvements in clinical microbiology possible during the latest decade. DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry have dramatically changed accuracy and speed of the identification of bacteria. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of bacterial DNA and DNA sequencing have provided hitherto unseen opportunities for identification of non-cultivable bacteria in clinical samples. Routine functional characterization of bacteria isolated from patients is constantly expanding. The changes benefit both individual patients and the understanding of bacterial pathology.
Klinisk Mikrobiologisk Afdeling, Odense Universitetshospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark. michael.kemp@ouh.regionsyddanmark.dk
Michael
M
Kemp
D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA / Q000379:methods
D004269:DNA, Bacterial