Deoxyribonucleic acid typing methods for medically important microorganisms
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Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
D W Williams1, M J Wilson, M A Lewis
1Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, University of Wales College of Medicine, UK.
Abstract:
The ability to type microorganisms to a sub-species level plays an essential role in the diagnosis, treatment and control of human infection. Traditionally, differentiation of microorganisms has involved analysis of phenotypic markers. However, these methods are not universally applicable to all microorganisms, and results may be influenced by environmental factors. Recent developments in DNA analysis, together with the limitations of phenotypic methods, have resulted in an increasing use of procedures based on DNA analysis for the typing of clinically important microorganisms. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the genetic typing techniques currently available.
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