PCR and the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in respiratory samples of CF patients. A literature review

Abstract

Previous studies proved the importance of rapid antibacterial intervention in case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa detection in respiratory samples of cystic fibrosis patients. To improve the early detection of P. aeruginosa, several culture, PCR and serology based approaches have been compared. Because an increasing number of routine microbiology laboratories have access to real-time PCR (qPCR), we reviewed the specificity and sensitivity of published PCR formats. The importance of choice of DNA-extraction methods and PCR formats and of the validation of their specificity and sensitivity with clinical samples is stressed.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in patients with cystic fibrosis: scientific evidence regarding clinical impact, diagnosis, and treatment

“…( 21 ) Other resources used for diagnosis are bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) culture, serology for detection of specific antibodies in serum, and methods for the detection of bacterial DNA (by PCR) in respiratory secretion specimens. ( 9 ) …”

“…( 22 ) Methods for molecular identification of P. aeruginosa should be viewed with caution, because they do not depend on bacterial viability and they are affected by various technical aspects, such as DNA extraction methods, primers used, sample concentration, etc. ( 9 ) …”

“…( 21 ) Outros recursos utilizados para o diagnóstico são a cultura do lavado broncoalveolar (LBA), sorologia para detecção de anticorpos específicos no soro e métodos de detecção do DNA bacteriano (por PCR) em amostras de secreção respiratória. ( 9 ) …”

“…( 8 ) In recent years, some attention has been given to alternative methods of diagnosis, such as serology and molecular techniques, especially for early identification of infection with P. aeruginosa, a pathogen that has the greatest impact on this group of patients. ( 9 ) …”

“…( 8 ) Nos últimos anos, alguma atenção tem sido dada a métodos alternativos de diagnóstico, como sorologia e técnicas moleculares, especialmente para a identificação precoce da infecção por P. aeruginosa , patógeno com maior impacto para esse grupo de pacientes. ( 9 ) …”