Steensels Deborah, Vankeerberghen Anne, De Beenhouwer Hans
Department of Microbiology OLV Hospital Aalst, Moorselbaan 164, 9300 Aalst, Belgium.
Int J Microbiol. 2013;2013:121057. doi: 10.1155/2013/121057. Epub 2013 Nov 25.
Advantages of PCR assays over more conventional culture-based diagnostics include significantly higher sensitivities and shorter turnaround times. They are particularly useful when patient treatment has already been initiated or for specimens that may contain microorganisms that are slow-growing, difficult to culture, or for which culture methods do not exist. However, due to genome variability, single target testing might lead to false-negative results. This paper focuses on examples from our own experiences and the literature to provide insight into the limitations of single target testing in molecular biology. Lessons learned from these experiences include the careful design of diagnostic assays, preferably multitargeted, the importance of investigating the incidence and epidemiology of infection in detail, the frequent participation in appropriate quality assurance schemes, and the importance of continuous attentiveness by investigators when confronted with inconsistent results. In conclusion, multitargeted testing in microbiological molecular assays should be a rule.
与更传统的基于培养的诊断方法相比，聚合酶链反应（PCR）检测的优势包括显著更高的灵敏度和更短的周转时间。当患者已经开始治疗时，或者对于可能含有生长缓慢、难以培养或不存在培养方法的微生物的标本，PCR检测特别有用。然而，由于基因组变异性，单靶点检测可能会导致假阴性结果。本文重点介绍我们自身经验和文献中的实例，以深入了解分子生物学中单靶点检测的局限性。从这些经验中学到的教训包括精心设计诊断检测方法，最好是多靶点的；详细调查感染的发生率和流行病学的重要性；经常参与适当的质量保证计划；以及研究人员在面对不一致结果时持续保持警惕的重要性。总之，微生物分子检测中的多靶点检测应该成为常规做法。
