Simultaneous Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Fluoroquinolone Resistance Mutations to Enable Rapid Prescription of Oral Antibiotics.

Background: Absence of rapid antimicrobial resistance testing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) hinders personalized antibiotic treatment. To enable rapid ciprofloxacin prescription, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for simultaneous detection of Ng and fluoroquinolone resistance-associated gyrA-S91F mutation was evaluated.

Methods: Analytical NG quantitative PCR kit (NYtor BV) performance was assessed on 50 Ng transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)-negative and 100 Ng TMA-positive samples.

Design and optimization of molecular beacon real-time polymerase chain reaction assays.

During the last few years, several innovative technologies have become available for performing sensitive and accurate genetic analyses. These techniques use fluorescent detection strategies in combination with nucleic acid amplification protocols. Most commonly used is the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Molecular beacons: colorful analysis of nucleic acids.

The completion of the Humane Genome Project has resulted in an exponential rise in the demand for molecular diagnostic assays. To meet this demand, several innovative technologies have become available for performing homogeneous genetic analyses. For this type of assay, special detector probes are necessary.