Molecular Diagnosis Contributing for Multi-Drug Resistant Infection Control

• Published in: Current treatment options in infectious disease 2014-03, Vol.6 (1), p.17-39
• Main Authors: Cay, Rodrigo, Fehlberg, Lorena C. C., Carvalhaes, Cecilia G., Nicoletti, Adriana G., Gales, Ana C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Infectious Diseases; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; New Technologies and Advances in Infection Prevention (AR Marra; Section Editor
• ISSN: 1534-6250; 1534-6250
• DOI: 10.1007/s40506-013-0006-9

Opinion statement Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are associated with increases in mortality, morbidity, and overall cost. To guide patient care, clinicians desire accurate, rapid and cost-effective tools that enable them to effectively detect, control, and prevent HAI while managing limited resources. Without any doubts, molecular methods, especially real-time PCR, have been playing an important role in infection control strategies and the clinical management of HAIs. PCR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry ( PCR / ESI - MS ) is an attractive methodology; it enables the identification and typing of microorganisms, as well as the detection of resistance and virulence genes because it combines the advantages of real-time PCR with those of mass spectrometry detection. However, this methodology will be probably surpassed by whole genome sequence (WGS), since it already has a competitive price and a relative rapid turnaround. The data assembly, annotation process, and data analysis still constitute obstacles to the wider use of WGS, as well as DNA obtainment directly from clinical specimens. The development of automated tools for analysis, compilation of WGS databases, and development of specific genetic criteria may enable a wider use of these techniques by routine clinical microbiology laboratory.