ABSTRACT
Recent developments in molecular methods have revolutionized the detection and characterization of microorganisms in a broad range of medical diagnostic fields, including virology, mycology, parasitology, microbiology and dentistry. Among these methods, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has generated great benefits and allowed scientific advancements. PCR is an excellent technique for the rapid detection of pathogens, including those difficult to culture. Along with conventional PCR techniques, Real-Time PCR has emerged as a technological innovation and is playing an ever-increasing role in clinical diagnostics and research laboratories. Due to its capacity to generate both qualitative and quantitative results, Real-Time PCR is considered a fast and accurate platform. The aim of the present literature review is to explore the clinical usefulness and potential of both conventional PCR and Real-Time PCR assays in diverse medical fields, addressing its main uses and advances.
O advento dos métodos moleculares tem, nos últimos anos, revolucionado a detecção e caracterização dos microorganismos em diversas áreas médicas diagnósticas, tais como virologia, micologia, parasitologia, microbiologia e odontologia. Dentre as técnicas baseadas em biologia molecular, a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) trouxe enormes benefícios e desenvolvimentos científicos, se mostrando como um excelente caminho para a rápida detecção de patógenos, até mesmo aqueles de difícil cultivo. Derivada da PCR convencional, a PCR em Tempo Real se mostra como uma inovação tecnológica e vem conquistando espaço nos diagnósticos clínicos e nos laboratórios de pesquisa por apresentar a capacidade de gerar, além de resultados qualitativos, resultados quantitativos, se mostrando de forma mais rápida e precisa. Este trabalho de revisão tem por objetivo explorar a utilidade clínica da técnica de PCR convencional e em Tempo real nas diversas áreas médicas supracitadas, abrangendo seus principais usos e avanços, direcionando para o cotidiano profissional.
Subject(s)
Molecular Biology/methods , Clinical Diagnosis , In Vitro Techniques , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Methods , Diagnostic Techniques and ProceduresABSTRACT
Recent developments in molecular methods have revolutionized the detection and characterization of microorganisms in a broad range of medical diagnostic fields, including virology, mycology, parasitology, microbiology and dentistry. Among these methods, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has generated great benefits and allowed scientific advancements. PCR is an excellent technique for the rapid detection of pathogens, including those difficult to culture. Along with conventional PCR techniques, Real-Time PCR has emerged as a technological innovation and is playing an ever-increasing role in clinical diagnostics and research laboratories. Due to its capacity to generate both qualitative and quantitative results, Real-Time PCR is considered a fast and accurate platform. The aim of the present literature review is to explore the clinical usefulness and potential of both conventional PCR and Real-Time PCR assays in diverse medical fields, addressing its main uses and advances.