PCR technology facilitates the detection of DNA or RNA of pathogenic organisms and, as such, is the basis for a broad range of clinical diagnostic tests for various infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria. These PCR-based tests have several advantages over traditional antibody-based diagnostic methods that measure the body's immune response to a pathogen. In particular, PCR-based tests are able to detect the presence of pathogenic agents earlier than serologically-based methods, as patients can take weeks to develop antibodies against an infectious agent. Earlier detection of infection can mean earlier treatment and an earlier return to good health.
Capitalizing on its exquisite sensitivity, scientists have also developed PCR-based tests designed to quantify the amount of virus in a person's blood ('viral load') thereby allowing physicians to monitor their patients' disease progression and response to therapy. Viral load assessment before, during and after therapy has tremendous potential for improving the clinical management of diseases caused by viral infection, including AIDS and hepatitis.
PCR-based diagnostics tests are available for detecting and/or quantifying several pathogens, including:
- HIV-1, which causes AIDS
- Hepatitis B and C viruses, which can lead to liver cancer
- Human Papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer
- Chlamydia trachomatis, which can lead to infertility in women
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women
- Cytomegalovirus, which can cause life threatening disease in transplant patients and other immunocompromised people, including HIV-1/AIDS patients
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which in its active state causes cough and fatigue and can lead to tissue damage of infected organs
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