Bacteria / Pathogen Testing by PCR - Why it is Recommended

Bacteria / Pathogen Testing by PCR: Overview

The detection and identification of microorganisms in patient specimens is the role of a microbiology laboratory. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing can now provide rapid, sensitive and specific detection of a wide variety of pathogens sometimes found in or causing difficult-to-diagnose conditions.

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PCR is a simple and powerful method of copying genetic material (DNA). The technique allows scientists to replicate a piece of DNA a million times or more in just 2-3 hours. These millions of exact copies can then be easily analyzed. In contrast, other methods that require larger samples for analysis may either be unable to detect or identify the target or require a more lengthy time period to produce sufficient material.

Function; Why it is Recommended

A small sample of cells is taken from a patient, usually in the form of blood. The DNA-containing white blood cells are removed and broken to release their DNA. High temperature is then used to separate the double-stranded DNA molecules into single strands, and short synthetic pieces of DNA are bound to the target region. The same naturally-occurring enzyme responsible for making replicas of DNA in normally dividing cells is then used to create millions of copies of the desired target DNA in the laboratory.

PCR can be used to identify the presence of seemingly hidden disease-causing viruses and/or bacteria and is capable of differentiating even closely-related organisms. It can be used to identify genetic markers that are associated with susceptibility or resistance to certain diseases, including diseases as diverse as diabetes, arthritis, cancer or allergies.

Bacteria / Pathogen Testing by PCR can help with the following:

Circulation

Coronary Disease / Heart Attack

A Cardiovascular Disease Panel (Blood or Tissue Biopsy) can test for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6).

Female-Specific

Vaginitis/Vaginal Infection

When unknown organisms may be contributing to chronic problems, a Uro-Genital Disease Panel (Swab or Urine) can test for the presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genus screen, Herpes simplex viruses (HSV 1 and HSV 2 combined), Chlamydia trachomatis, Human papilloma virus – types 6/11, Human papilloma virus – types 16/18 and Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Immunity

Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome

A Fatigue Illnesses and Pain Panel (Blood) can test for the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma penetrans, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Human Herpes Virus (HHV-6).

Infections

Yeast / Candida Infection

A Panfungal Panel (Blood or Tissue Biopsy) can test for the presence of several hundred human pathogenic fungal species. This panel also differentiates the Candida genus.

Sinusitis

A Respiratory (Sinusitis/Pneumonia) Panel (Blood or Swab) can test for the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Legionella pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Lyme Disease

A Lyme/Tick Panel (Blood or Tissue Biopsy) can test for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease), Babesia microti (Babesiosis), Ehrlichia chaffeensis (Ehrlichiosis) and Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever).

Herpes Simplex Type I

A Herpes/Papilloma Virus Panel (Blood and Swab) can test for the presence of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalorvirus (CMV), Herpes simplex Viruses (HSV 1 and HSV 2 combined), Human herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6) and Human papilloma Viruses (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18).

Musculo-Skeletal

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An Autoimmune/Arthritis Disease Panel (Blood) can test for the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV).

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

An Autoimmune/Arthritis Disease Panel (Blood) can test for the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

Reproductive

Herpes Simplex Type II

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

A Herpes/Papilloma Virus Panel (Blood and Swab) can test for the presence of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalorvirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV 1 and HSV 2 combined), Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6) and Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18).

Respiratory

Pneumonia

A Respiratory (Sinusitis/Pneumonia) Panel (Blood or Swab) can test for the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Legionella pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Tumors, Malignant

Cancer, General

An Infectious Agents in Cancer Panel (Blood or Tissue Biopsy) can test for the presence of Helicobacter pylori, Hepatitis B, Human Papilloma Virus (6, 11, 16, 18) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

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