scholarly journals Clinical Significance of Molecular Diagnostic Tools for Bacterial Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Pierre Rutanga ◽  
Therese Nyirahabimana
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools

Bacterial bloodstream infection (bBSI) represents any form of invasiveness of the blood circulatory system caused by bacteria and can lead to death among critically ill patients. Thus, there is a need for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with septicemia. So far, different molecular diagnostic tools have been developed. The majority of these tools focus on amplification based techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which allows the detection of nucleic acids (both DNA and small RNAs) that are specific to bacterial species and sequencing or nucleic acid hybridization that allows the detection of bacteria in order to reduce delay of appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, there is still a need to improve sensitivity of most molecular techniques to enhance their accuracy and allow exact and on time antibiotic therapy treatment. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review of the existing studies conducted in molecular diagnosis of bBSIs, with the main aim of reporting on clinical significance and benefits of molecular diagnosis to patients. We searched both Google Scholar and PubMed. In total, eighteen reviewed papers indicate that shift from conventional diagnostic methods to molecular tools is needed and would lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment of bBSI.

scholarly journals The burden of congenital Chagas disease and implementation of molecular diagnostic tools in Latin America

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. e001069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Picado ◽  
Israel Cruz ◽  
Maël Redard-Jacot ◽  
Alejandro G Schijman ◽  
Faustino Torrico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Diagnostic Algorithm ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Molecular Tests ◽  
Epidemiological Impact ◽  
And Performance

It is estimated that between 8000 and 15 000 Trypanosoma cruzi infected babies are born every year to infected mothers in Chagas disease endemic countries. Currently, poor access to and performance of the current diagnostic algorithm, based on microscopy at birth and serology at 8–12 months after delivery, is one of the barriers to congenital Chagas disease (CCD) control. Detection of parasite DNA using molecular diagnostic tools could be an alternative or complement to current diagnostic methods, but its implementation in endemic regions remains limited. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of CCD cases would have a positive clinical and epidemiological impact. In this paper, we analysed the burden of CCD in Latin America, and the potential use of molecular tests to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of T. cruzi infected newborns.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies Seroprevalence and Sera Neutralizing Activity in MEXICO: A National Cross-Sectional Study during 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 850
Author(s):  
José Esteban Muñoz-Medina ◽  
Concepción Grajales-Muñiz ◽  
Angel Gustavo Salas-Lais ◽  
Larissa Fernandes-Matano ◽  
Constantino López-Macías ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neutralizing Activity

Until recently, the incidence of COVID-19 was primarily estimated using molecular diagnostic methods. However, the number of cases is vastly underreported using these methods. Seroprevalence studies estimate cumulative infection incidences and allow monitoring of transmission dynamics, and the presence of neutralizing antibodies in the population. In February 2020, the Mexican Social Security Institute began conducting anonymous unrelated sampling of residual sera from specimens across the country, excluding patients with fever within the previous two weeks and/or patients with an acute respiratory infection. Sampling was carried out weekly and began 17 days before Mexico’s first officially confirmed case. The 24,273 sera obtained were analyzed by chemiluminescent-linked immunosorbent assay (CLIA) IgG S1/S2 and, later, positive cases using this technique were also analyzed to determine the rate of neutralization using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We identified 40 CLIA IgG positive cases before the first official report of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Mexico. The national seroprevalence was 3.5% in February and 33.5% in December. Neutralizing activity among IgG positives patients during overall study period was 86.1%. The extent of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in Mexico is 21 times higher than that reported by molecular techniques. Although the general population is still far from achieving herd immunity, epidemiological indicators should be re-estimated based on serological studies of this type.

scholarly journals Modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders associated with a new coronavirus infection

2021 ◽  
pp. 66-79
Author(s):  
P. V. Aronov ◽  
G. N. Belskaya ◽  
I. A. Nikiforov
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Somatoform Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Service ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Psychological Consequences

The article systematizes information on the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, the frequency of which has increased significantly at the present time, in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. The characteristic of stressful factors affecting the human psyche in the conditions of forced self-isolation and after it is given. Many people experience anxiety due to lockdown, social isolation, unemployment, and a high probability of illness and death. Uncertainty in the future, anxiety during the period of uncertainty caused by the spread of the “new coronavirus”, are a trigger for emotional exhaustion, suppress the immune system, which negatively affects the human nervous system and provokes an exacerbation of chronic ailments. The psychological consequences of a person’s stay in quarantine are considered. In the structure of mental health disorders associated with the COVID-19 epidemic, there is a large range of adaptation disorders: fear, frustration, a sense of hopelessness, expectation of threat, loneliness, social isolation and alienation. In the situation of COVID-19, there is often a depletion of mental resources and maladaptation, a disorder of adaptive reactions. Anxiety disorders occur in the form of adaptation disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, somatoform disorders, including panic attacks. Timely diagnosis of these disorders is possible not only by the psychiatric service, but also with the involvement of internists who possess screening diagnostic tools with automated conclusions (scales, mobile applications to smartphones, etc.). A brief review of domestic and foreign studies on the assessment of methods for the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders is presented. Diagnostic methods and therapeutic tactics, the use of various traditional drugs in psychosomatic pathology are discussed. To correct the identified disorders, there is a choice of anti-anxiety drugs, including antidepressants (primarily selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), tranquilizers, among which tofizopam occupies a worthy place.

Steroid hormone profiles and molecular diagnostic tools in pediatric patients with non-CAH primary adrenal insufficiency

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuba Seven Menevse ◽  
Yasemin Kendir Demirkol ◽  
Busra Gurpinar Tosun ◽  
Elvan Bayramoglu ◽  
Melek Yildiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Steroid Hormone ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

Abstract Background There is a significant challenge of attributing specific diagnoses to patients with primary adrenal insufficiency of unknown etiology other than congenital adrenal hyperplasia (non-CAH PAI). Specific diagnoses per se may guide personalized treatment or may illuminate pathophysiology. Objective Investigation of the efficacy of steroid hormone profiles and high-throughput sequencing methods in establishing the etiology in non-CAH PAI of unknown origin. Design Paediatric patients with non-CAH PAI whose etiology could not be established by clinical and biochemical characteristics were enrolled. Genetic analysis was performed using targetedgene panel sequencing (TPS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES). Plasma adrenal steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and compared to that of controls. Setting Eighteen pediatric endocrinology clinics. Patients Forty-one patients (17 females, median age: 3 months, range: 0-8 years) with non-CAH PAI of unknown etiology. Results A genetic diagnosis was obtained in 29 (70.7%) patients by TPS. Further molecular diagnosis could not be achieved by WES. Compared to healthy control group, patients showed lower steroid concentrations, most significantly in cortisone, cortisol, and corticosterone (p<0.0001, area under the ROC curve: 0.96, 0.88, 0.87, respectively). Plasma cortisol<4 ng/mL, cortisone<11 ng/mL, and corticosterone<0.11 ng/mL had >95% specificity to ensure the diagnosis of non-CAH PAI of unknown etiology. Conclusion Steroid hormone profiles are highly sensitive for the diagnosis of non-CAH PAI of unknown etiology, while they are unlikely to point out a specific molecular diagnosis. TPS is an optimal approach in the molecular diagnosis of these patients with high efficacy, while little additional benefit is expected from WES.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Diagnostic Methods of Small Fiber Neuropathies in Rehabilitation

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 613
Author(s):  
Rita Chiaramonte ◽  
Marcello Romano ◽  
Michele Vecchio
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Small Fiber Neuropathy ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Diagnostic Measures ◽  
Small Fiber ◽  
Diagnostic Approaches ◽  
English Articles

This systematic review describes the several methods to diagnose and measure the severity of small fiber neuropathies and aims to guide the physician to define all the diagnostic approaches for adopting the best strategies described in the current literature. The search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently reviewed and came to consensus on which articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria. The authors excluded all the duplicates, animals’ studies, and included the English articles in which the diagnostic measures were finalized to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation and pharmacologic treatment of patients with small fiber neuropathies. The search identified a total of 975 articles with the keywords “small fiber neuropathy” AND “rehabilitation” OR “therapy” OR “treatment”. Seventy-eight selected full-text were analyzed by the reviewers. Forty-one publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Despite the range of diagnostic tools for the assessment of small fiber neuropathy, other robust trials are needed. In addition, always different diagnostic approaches are used, a unique protocol could be important for the clinicians. More research is needed to build evidence for the best diagnostic methodologies and to delineate a definitive diagnostic protocol.

scholarly journals P31 Cauda equina syndrome – the importance of an early, accurate diagnosis and treatment in preventing bladder dysfunction

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Amy Porter ◽  
Victoria Porter
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Retention ◽  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Decompressive Surgery ◽  
Bladder Function ◽  
Urological Complications ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Introduction Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), is a neurological emergency with many urological features. Delayed decompressive surgery can cause urinary retention, overflow incontinence, long term catherization and loss of sexual function. This article focusses on the accuracy of the initial diagnosis and the time taken before treatment is commenced. Methods In this systematic literature review, OneSearch and PubMed have been searched for articles which identify the main symptoms of CES, evaluate the effectiveness of several diagnostic methods and compare the postoperative results of bladder function following timely and delayed treatment. Results A total of 20 articles have been referenced, of which 9 studies have been reviewed. While no individual symptom is 100% indicative of CES, urinary retention (diagnostic accuracy 0.9), is the most consistent clinical finding. Therefore, MRI is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Further 4 out of 5 studies state that treatment within 24-hours improves patient outcomes compared to 48-hours, one study showed no significant difference between 24 and 48 hours. All articles indicate beyond 48-hours, surgical intervention has little impact on the relief of symptoms. Conclusion The studies concluded that any patient presenting in the emergency department with lower back pain should be screened for CES. A thorough history and neurological examination should be performed; however, the evidence base for rectal examination to assess anal tone is poor. Decompressive surgery carried out within the first 24-hour period from the onset of symptoms is favourable. Overall, early accurate diagnosis and treatment is invaluable to preventing urological complications and improving prognosis.

scholarly journals Potential Application of PCR Based Molecular Methods in Fish Pathogen Identification: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Ali Arman Ador ◽  
Md. Shameul Haque ◽  
Sulav Indra Paul ◽  
Jui Chakma ◽  
Rakib Ehsan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Fish Disease ◽  
Fish Pathogen ◽  
Pathogen Identification ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Molecular biology developments have led to fast growth in new methods for fish disease diagnosis. Molecular diagnostic methods are rapid and more specific, more sensitive than the culture of pathogens, serology, histology, and biochemical methods which are traditionally utilized to identify causative agent fish disease. Molecular diagnostic methods are valuable for detecting specific pathogens that are difficult to culture in vitro or require a long cultivation period and it significantly more rapid in providing results compared to culture. It enables earlier informed decision-making and rapid diagnosis of bacteremia, particularly for low levels of bacteria in specimens. Molecular techniques which have the major significance are mainly PCR-based molecular diagnostic methods including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (multiplexPCR), and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). These have been increasingly utilized to diagnose fish disease for the last recent years. Molecular diagnostic methods can detect pathogens from asymptomatic fish, so disease outbreaks could be prevented. As a consequence, antibiotic treatment can be reduced and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be eliminated. In this review paper, we attempt to summarize the potentiality of PCR-based molecular diagnostic methods and their application in fish pathogen identification.

scholarly journals Molecular epidemiological surveillance of Africa and Asia imported malaria in Wuhan, Central China: comparison of diagnostic tools during 2011–2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiting Xie ◽  
Kai Wu ◽  
Weijia Cheng ◽  
Tingting Jiang ◽  
Yi Yao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Imported Malaria ◽  
Central China ◽  
Taqman Probe ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Blood Samples

Abstract Background: Malaria remains a serious public health problem globally. As the elimination of indigenous malaria continues in China, imported malaria has gradually become a major health hazard. Well-timed and accurate diagnoses could support the timely implementation of therapeutic schedules, reveal the prevalence of imported malaria and avoid transmission of the disease.Methods: Blood samples were collected in Wuhan, China, from August 2011 to December 2018. All patients accepted microscopy and rapid diagnosis test (RDT) examinations. Subsequently, each of the positive or suspected positive cases was tested for four human-infectious Plasmodium species by using 18S rRNA-based nested PCR and Taqman probe-based real-time PCR. The results of the microscopy and the two molecular diagnostic methods were analysed. Importation origins were traced by country, and the prevalence of Plasmodium species was analysed by year.Results: A total of 296 blood samples, including 288 that were microscopy and RDT positive, 7 RDT and P. falciparum positive, and 1 suspected case, were collected and reanalysed. After application of the two molecular methods and sequencing, 291 cases including 245 P. falciparum, 15 P. vivax, 20 P. ovale, 6 P. malariae and 5 mixed infections (3 P. falciparum + P. ovale, 2 P. vivax + P. ovale) were confirmed. These patients had returned from Africa (95.53%) and Asia (4.47%). Although the prevalence displayed a small-scale fluctuation, the overall trend of the imported cases increased yearly. Conclusions: These results emphasize the necessity of combined utilization of the four tools for malaria diagnosis in clinic and in field surveys of potential risk regions worldwide including Wuhan.

scholarly journals Molecular epidemiological surveillance of Africa and Asia imported malaria in Wuhan, Central China: comparison of diagnostic tools during 2011–2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiting Xie ◽  
Kai Wu ◽  
Weijia Cheng ◽  
Tingting Jiang ◽  
Yi Yao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Imported Malaria ◽  
Central China ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Blood Samples

Abstract Background Malaria remains a serious public health problem globally. As the elimination of indigenous malaria continues in China, imported malaria has gradually become a major health hazard. Well-timed and accurate diagnoses could support the timely implementation of therapeutic schedules, reveal the prevalence of imported malaria and avoid transmission of the disease. Methods Blood samples were collected in Wuhan, China, from August 2011 to December 2018. All patients accepted microscopy and rapid diagnosis test (RDT) examinations. Subsequently, each of the positive or suspected positive cases was tested for four human-infectious Plasmodium species by using 18S rRNA-based nested PCR and Taqman probe-based real-time PCR. The results of the microscopy and the two molecular diagnostic methods were analysed. Importation origins were traced by country, and the prevalence of Plasmodium species was analysed by year. Results A total of 296 blood samples, including 288 that were microscopy and RDT positive, 7 RDT and Plasmodium falciparum positive, and 1 suspected case, were collected and reanalysed. After application of the two molecular methods and sequencing, 291 cases including 245 P. falciparum, 15 Plasmodium vivax, 20 Plasmodium ovale, 6 Plasmodium malariae and 5 mixed infections (3 P. falciparum + P. ovale, 2 P. vivax + P. ovale) were confirmed. These patients had returned from Africa (95.53%) and Asia (4.47%). Although the prevalence displayed a small-scale fluctuation, the overall trend of the imported cases increased yearly. Conclusions These results emphasize the necessity of combined utilization of the four tools for malaria diagnosis in clinic and in field surveys of potential risk regions worldwide including Wuhan.

scholarly journals Advanced Approaches to Breast Cancer Classification and Diagnosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Zubair ◽  
S. Wang ◽  
N. Ali
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Lipid Membrane ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Recurrence Score ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Early Screening

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recently reported a 66% increase in the global number of cancer deaths since 1960. In the US alone, about one in eight women is expected to develop invasive breast cancer(s) (breast cancer) at some point in their lifetime. Traditionally, a BC diagnosis includes mammography, ultrasound, and some high-end molecular bioimaging. Unfortunately, these techniques detect BC at a later stage. So early and advanced molecular diagnostic tools are still in demand. In the past decade, various histological and immuno-molecular studies have demonstrated that BC is highly heterogeneous in nature. Its growth pattern, cytological features, and expression of key biomarkers in BC cells including hormonal receptor markers can be utilized to develop advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools. A cancer cell's progression to malignancy exhibits various vital biomarkers, many of which are still underrepresented in BC diagnosis and treatment. Advances in genetics have also enabled the development of multigene assays to detect genetic heterogeneity in BC. However, thus far, the FDA has approved only four such biomarkers—cancer antigens (CA); CA 15-3, CA 27-29, Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and circulating tumor cells (CTC) in assessing BC in body fluids. An adequately structured portable-biosensor with its non-invasive and inexpensive point-of-care analysis can quickly detect such biomarkers without significantly compromising its specificity and selectivity. Such advanced techniques are likely to discriminate between BC and a healthy patient by accurately measuring the cell shape, structure, depth, intracellular and extracellular environment, and lipid membrane compositions. Presently, BC treatments include surgery and systemic chemo- and targeted radiation therapy. A biopsied sample is then subjected to various multigene assays to predict the heterogeneity and recurrence score, thus guiding a specific treatment by providing complete information on the BC subtype involved. Thus far, we have seven prognostic multigene signature tests for BC providing a risk profile that can avoid unnecessary treatments in low-risk patients. Many comparative studies on multigene analysis projected the importance of integrating clinicopathological information with genomic-imprint analysis. Current cohort studies such as MINDACT, TAILORx, Trans-aTTOM, and many more, are likely to provide positive impact on long-term patient outcome. This review offers consolidated information on currently available BC diagnosis and treatment options. It further describes advanced biomarkers for the development of state-of-the-art early screening and diagnostic technologies.

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