title: Molecular diagnosis of respiratory viruses.
abstract: The increasing availability of nucleic acid amplification tests since the 1980s has revolutionised our understanding of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical and laboratory aspects of known and novel viral respiratory pathogens. High-throughput, multiplex polymerase chain reaction is the most commonly used qualitative detection method, but utilisation of newer techniques such as next-generation sequencing will become more common following significant cost reductions. Rapid and readily accessible isothermal amplification platforms have also allowed molecular diagnostics to be used in a 'point-of-care' format. This review focuses on the current applications and limitations of molecular diagnosis for respiratory viruses.
authors.affiliation: 1Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 3Centre for Research Excellence in Critical Infections, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Lucy K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Somerville
authors.forename: V Mala
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Ratnamohan
authors.forename: Dominic E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Dwyer
authors.forename: Jen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kok
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*