A New PCR Method for Detecting Respiratory Pathogens
Author Information
Author(s): Glenys R. Chidlow, Gerry B. Harnett, Geoffrey R. Shellam, David W. Smith
Primary Institution: Department of Microbiology, Pathwest Laboratory Medicine WA, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
Hypothesis
Can a modified real-time PCR assay effectively screen for a comprehensive range of respiratory pathogens?
Conclusion
The tandem multiplex real-time PCR assay efficiently detected multiple respiratory pathogens from a small sample volume.
Supporting Evidence
- Respiratory pathogens were detected in 85 out of 121 samples.
- Multiple pathogens were found in 29 samples.
- The assay was more sensitive than traditional methods for most pathogens.
Takeaway
This study created a new test that can find many germs that make people sick from just a tiny bit of their nose or throat samples.
Methodology
The study used a tandem multiplex real-time PCR assay to test pernasal aspirates from children for 35 respiratory pathogens.
Limitations
Some samples did not yield positive results, possibly due to poor specimen collection or unknown pathogens.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 3 days to 16 years, with a mean age of 20 months.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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