The new frontier of diagnostics: Molecular assays and their role in infection prevention and control

Abstract

Recent advances in technology over the last decade have propelled the microbiology laboratory into a pivotal role in infection prevention and control. The rapid adaptation of molecular technologies to the field of clinical microbiology now greatly influences infectious disease management and significantly impacts infection control practices. This review discusses recent developments in molecular techniques in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. It describes the basic concepts of molecular assays, discusses their advantages and limitations, and characterizes currently available commercial assays with respect to cost, interpretive requirements, and clinical utility.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in older adults: the most fragile women are prone to long-term colonization

“…Several virulence factors in E. coli were earlier shown to be associated with pyelonephritis [33]. Given the recent advances in molecular diagnostics [34], a rapid molecular diagnostic test detecting the presence of E. coli and its pathogenicity potential could help to decide whether to give antibiotics or not. After such treatment, the administration of avirulent ABU strains in a probiotic-like manner might reduce the risk of reinfection with the virulent strain and might prove a superior strategy compared to merely giving antibiotics alone.…”

Automation and Molecular Diagnostics: A New Era in Clinical Microbiology

“…3 These single-target molecular tests also utilize signal amplification and hybridization techniques. 4 One of the first areas of the clinical lab to greatly benefit from these advancements was the virology section. Molecular testing for viral pathogens in patient samples made way for the elimination of tedious, contamination-prone viral cultures using mammalian cell systems.…”

“…A majority of point of care (POC) testing in the past has been of the immunochromatography variety 13 but the introduction of POC molecular testing is starting to come to the forefront due to "PCR-in-a-box" technology which utilizes a closed system, thus greatly reducing the potential for contamination and therefore aberrant or incorrect results. 4 This type of testing has already been employed in the form of influenza A and B and Group A Streptococcus testing. 13 progression from diagnosis to prescribed treatment.…”

Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention—Leveraging the Synergy: A Position Paper Update

“…, 44 Advisement. To effectively use molecular diagnostic technology for enhancement of IPC practices, it is important to understand the scope of these rapid diagnostic tests and to appreciate the need for judicious interpretation in collaboration with a clinical microbiologist 42 …”

“…The laboratory provides interpretation and translation of the results into the day-to-day infection management 41 . Recent advances in molecular diagnostic technologies have significantly reduced the delay in ID diagnosis, can identify and precisely characterize emerging pathogens, and trace the source of outbreaks in a manner of days 42 . It is essential for IPs, HEs, and the AS team to understand the scope of these rapid diagnostic tests and work together to develop processes and interventions to assist clinicians in interpreting and responding appropriately to results 2 …”