Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are a major cause of death worldwide. Traditional laboratory methods of culture and serology are giving way to new DNA technologies, especially nucleic acid amplification. To date, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been the most widely used amplification method. Multiplex PCR (M-PCR) is a modification of this technique that allows for the detection of DNA from several bacterial and viral STD in a single test. Over the next 5 years, several M-PCR tests will be introduced, affording the clinical laboratory improved diagnostic capabilities.