Probing for answers. Use of DNA probes in infectious diseases.

Diagnostic molecular biology is at the forefront in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Through the use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probes in conjunction with other molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), physicians will be able to more rapidly and accurately diagnose causative agents in a variety of infectious diseases. This article will focus on the molecular basis of these techniques, how they may aid the physician in patient diagnosis, and the shortcomings of this new and exciting technology.