Short Communication
Year: 2020 | Month: December | Volume: 10 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 163-167
PCR - A Promising Method for Detection of Fungi
Kavitha M K
Professor & HOD, Dept. of Medical Microbiology, CIHS, Thalassery
ABSTRACT
Early diagnosis of fungal infection is of importance as rapid initiation of antifungal therapy is crucial. In order to overcome the limitations of conventional diagnostic tests, molecular approaches are used for the detection and identification of pathogenic fungi. Methods employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are among the most promising alternatives and are increasingly applied in routine detection of pathogenic microorganisms. The ultimate sensitivity of PCR assay depends on the efficient lysis of fungal cells in the tissue sample and the purification of DNA that is free of PCR inhibitors. The target primer sequences must be unique in order to identify a specific organism. After implementation of the Real-time PCR test it is necessary to continue to monitor performance of the assay, equipment, reagents, and personnel. Daily quality control of reagents including positive and negative controls and/or extraction controls should be performed.
However, further studies are needed for standardization of such molecular procedures.
Key words: DNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR.