Summary
The detection and identification of microorganisms is being carried out increasingly using DNA. Each organism has a unique DNA sequence which can be used to distinguish closely related organisms. Using PCR amplification and sequencing of ribosomal RNA genes we have developed DNA probes for a number of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The development of DNA assays based on PCR has resulted in new questions which must be addressed including process carry-over contamination and inhibition of the PCR amplification reaction once the problems associated with the implementation of DNA assays are ironed out.
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Gannon, F. DNA probes for the identification of microorganisms. Journal of Industrial Microbiology 13, 71–76 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01584101
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01584101