Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Advances in PCR technology.
- Journal:
- Animal health research reviews
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Lauerman, Lloyd H
- Affiliation:
- Washington State University-Puyallup · United States
Plain-English summary
This abstract discusses the significant advancements in a laboratory technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which has been around for about 20 years. These improvements have come from research in various fields, including business and universities, leading to better equipment and methods for analyzing genetic material. New sequencing technologies and genetic databases have made it easier to select and validate the genetic sequences needed for accurate testing. As a result, PCR and a related method called reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) have greatly improved the speed and accuracy of diagnosing diseases in both people and animals, especially for infections that are hard to identify. Overall, these advancements have made it quicker and cheaper to identify and study disease-causing microbes.
Abstract
Since the discovery of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 20 years ago, an avalanche of scientific publications have reported major developments and changes in specialized equipment, reagents, sample preparation, computer programs and techniques, generated through business, government and university research. The requirement for genetic sequences for primer selection and validation has been greatly facilitated by the development of new sequencing techniques, machines and computer programs. Genetic libraries, such as GenBank, EMBL and DDBJ continue to accumulate a wealth of genetic sequence information for the development and validation of molecular-based diagnostic procedures concerning human and veterinary disease agents. The mechanization of various aspects of the PCR assay, such as robotics, microfluidics and nanotechnology, has made it possible for the rapid advancement of new procedures. Real-time PCR, DNA microarray and DNA chips utilize these newer techniques in conjunction with computer and computer programs. Instruments for hand-held PCR assays are being developed. The PCR and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays have greatly accelerated the speed and accuracy of diagnoses of human and animal disease, especially of the infectious agents that are difficult to isolate or demonstrate. The PCR has made it possible to genetically characterize a microbial isolate inexpensively and rapidly for identification, typing and epidemiological comparison.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15984333/