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Diagnostic deoxyribonucleic acid probes for infectious diseases
1Laboratory Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98108.
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probe technology enables rapid and accurate identification of diverse pathogens, from viruses to complex worms. This advancement significantly enhances clinical laboratory diagnostics for challenging microorganisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Microorganisms possess unique nucleotide sequences suitable for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probe targeting.
- DNA probes have demonstrated success in identifying a broad spectrum of pathogens, including polioviruses and Brugia malayi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the development of DNA probe tests.
- To review the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of recently developed diagnostic DNA probes.
- To discuss future prospects for enhanced detection systems in hybridization reactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DNA probe test development.
- Analysis of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of various diagnostic probes.
- Exploration of emerging technologies for detecting hybridization reaction products.
Main Results:
- Over a dozen commercial DNA probe tests are currently available.
- DNA probe technology offers potential for expanding pathogen identification capabilities in clinical settings.
- Significant reduction in identification time for fastidious microorganisms is achievable.
Conclusions:
- DNA probe technology represents a significant advancement in clinical microbiology.
- The continued development of sensitive detection systems promises further improvements in diagnostic speed and accuracy.
- DNA probes are valuable tools for identifying a wide range of infectious agents.