Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Rapid Detection of Bacterial Pathogens Causing Lower Respiratory Tract Infections via Microfluidic-Chip-Based Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
06:11

Rapid Detection of Bacterial Pathogens Causing Lower Respiratory Tract Infections via Microfluidic-Chip-Based Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

Published on: March 29, 2024

Prescription surveillance and polymerase chain reaction testing to identify pathogens during outbreaks of infection

Hiroaki Sugiura1, Tsuguto Fujimoto, Tamie Sugawara

  • 1Sugiura Clinic, 2-8-3 Imaichi-Kita, Honmachi, Shimane, Izumo 693-0002, Japan. tomomarie@smn.enjoy.ne.jp

Biomed Research International
|March 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Syndromic surveillance combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) rapidly identified pathogens during a respiratory outbreak. This approach improves diagnostic accuracy for emerging infectious diseases and bioterrorism threats.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Syndromic surveillance, including prescription data, aids early detection of bioterrorism and emerging diseases.
  • A limitation of syndromic surveillance is its lack of definitive diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To definitively diagnose pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) immediately following a syndromic surveillance-detected outbreak.
  • To evaluate the combination of syndromic surveillance and PCR for rapid and accurate pathogen identification.

Main Methods:

  • Collected specimens from 50 patients with respiratory infections.
  • Utilized PCR to identify 14 types of common respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
  • Assessed the performance of rapid diagnostic kits for RSV and adenovirus.

Main Results:

  • Infectious agents including M. pneumoniae, RSV, rhinovirus, enterovirus, and parainfluenza virus were detected in 54% of patients.
  • RSV rapid diagnosis kit showed 80% sensitivity and 85% specificity.
  • Adenovirus rapid diagnosis kit had 100% specificity; sensitivity could not be calculated due to no positive results.
  • Many patients received treatment for upper respiratory tract infections without a specific pathogen diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Combining syndromic surveillance with PCR enables rapid and accurate identification of causative pathogens during respiratory infection outbreaks.
  • The study suggests potential false-positive cases in Japan's 2011 M. pneumoniae outbreak.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as many upper respiratory infections are treated without identifying the specific pathogen.

More Related Videos

On-Site Molecular Detection of Soil-Borne Phytopathogens Using a Portable Real-Time PCR System14:15

On-Site Molecular Detection of Soil-Borne Phytopathogens Using a Portable Real-Time PCR System

Published on: February 23, 2018

Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance via Stool Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis04:56

Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance via Stool Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis

Published on: May 16, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
Steps in Outbreak Investigation01:18

Steps in Outbreak Investigation

In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
Automated Microbial Diagnostics01:24

Automated Microbial Diagnostics

Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...
Methods of Classification and Identification01:28

Methods of Classification and Identification

Bacterial identification relies on a diverse array of techniques to classify and understand microorganisms, each tailored to uncover specific characteristics. Traditional morphological approaches, while still valuable, are limited for closely related or structurally simple organisms. Modern methods integrate biochemical, serological, genetic, and advanced molecular tools to achieve greater accuracy.Morphological and Biochemical TechniquesMorphological characteristics, such as cell shape and...
Real Time RT-PCR02:57

Real Time RT-PCR

Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, or Real-time RT-PCR, is an analytical tool used to determine the expression level of target genes. The method involves converting mRNA to complementary DNA with the help of an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase, followed by the PCR amplification of the cDNA. These two processes can be performed simultaneously in a single tube or separately as a two-step reaction.
The real-time quantification of the number of amplified products is...
Principles of Disease Surveillance01:26

Principles of Disease Surveillance

Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...