Macfarlane-Smith, LR, Ahmed, S and Wilcox, MH orcid.org/0000-0002-4565-2868 (2018) Molecular versus culture-based testing for gastrointestinal infection. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, 34 (1). pp. 19-24. ISSN 0267-1379
Abstract
Purpose of review
Molecular-based diagnostic methods for the detection of gastrointestinal pathogens are becoming increasingly commonplace in microbiology laboratories. This review aims to summarize recent developments in this field and discuss the clinical application and limitations of implementing these techniques.
Recent findings
Recent evaluations of multiplex PCR assays show increased sensitivity whenever compared with standard microbiological culture-based methods. In addition to shorter turnaround times, assays can detect an increased repertoire of pathogens from a single specimen and provide useful information for infection prevention and control practices. There are many limitations, however, associated with their use, including clinical interpretation of results and lack of concordance between different test panels. Newer technologies, such as metagenomic analysis, can provide comprehensive information useful to both patient management and public health surveillance.
Summary
Molecular techniques are capable of replacing culture in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections. Whether all positive results, however, represent true infection is still debateable, as is the clinical significance of identifying more than one pathogen. As it currently stands, microbiological culture remains vital for public health surveillance, monitoring antibiotic resistance and managing outbreaks.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. This is an author produced version of a paper published in Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | enteric pathogens; gastrointestinal infection; molecular-based diagnosis; multiplex polymerase chain reaction |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > Institute of Molecular Medicine (LIMM) (Leeds) > Section of Molecular Gastroenterology (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 16 Oct 2018 12:15 |
Last Modified: | 01 Jan 2019 01:39 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wolters Kluwer |
Identification Number: | 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000405 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:137137 |