Question

PCR is a useful tool for early diagnosis of an infectious disease. Elaborate.

Answer 1

PCR as a diagnostic tool:
PCR as a diagnostic tool for infectious diseases:

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a sensitive method used in diagnosis.
• Traditionally diseases are diagnosed after the appearance of symptoms.
• But, using PCR diseases can be diagnosed even before the appearance of symptoms.
• During pandemics, DNA of infectious organisms can be detected easily through PCR.

Steps involved in detection using PCR:

• DNA of disease causing pathogens is amplified through PCR.
• It helps in detecting very low concentrations of virus and bacteria by amplifying their genetic material, even before the appearance of symptoms.
• This DNA can then be detected using radioactive or fluorescent probes.
• Two types of PCR are available; conventional and real-time.
• Real-time PCR is more useful in the diagnosis of infectious diseaseas the results are generated at the same time that the assay is being run.