Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Probes: Technology for Microbial Detection

摘要

DNA probe technology provides a current use in the area of infectious disease, cancer diagnostics, food testing, veterinary and plant diagnostics, genetic screening, and tissues typing. With culture techniques in urology being both slow and inaccurate, probes can identify active viruses and numerous serotypes. Probes have aleady been developed for some viruses and bacteria. The DNA probe offers an inexpensive, highly senstive, quantitatively accurate, easy and speedy means for detecting the presence of pathogens. Faster results mean earlier and more effective therapy and result in earlier discharge of patients. Thus, a lower health care cost. DNA probes in concert with monoclonal antibodies should provide a rapid and accurate diagnosis of infectious disease.