[Nucleic-acid based diagnostics in clinical microbiology].

BACKGROUND

Detection of nucleic acids from infectious agents now has a fundamental role in diagnostic microbiology laboratories. Nucleic acid amplification methods have promoted this development.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study we give a review of the field based on searches in Medline and our own experience.

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION

Nucleic acid sequencing, hybridisation and electrophoresis complement the gene technology available for microbiological diagnosis. Recently, equipment for automated extraction of nucleic acids and real-time quantitative PCR has contributed to faster, more reliable and robust nucleic acid detection. An increasing number of microbiological agents and virulence genes can now be diagnosed in a variety of patient samples and supplemented with additional nucleic acid-based methods for genotyping and quantitative monitoring of drug resistance and therapeutic response.