Aspergillus PCR - Platforms, strengths and weaknesses

Abstract

PCR is a useful tool to aid in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. However, it is essential that an optimal method be agreed to allow inclusion in future consensus diagnosis criteria. It should be used in conjunction with other methods (e.g., galatomannan (GM) ELISA and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT)) to enhance the opportunity for detection of this devastating infection. This manuscript will try to highlight the benefits but mainly the limitations occurring throughout the process of molecular testing. It will focus on real-time methods although many of the points will be relevant to block-based amplification.