Molecular Genetic Methods for Detection and Identification of Viable but Nonculturable Microorganisms

Abstract

The problems associated with culture-based methods for detection and identification of microorganisms in clinical and environmental samples have motivated the development of alternative methods which do not require cultivation of the target organisms. Molecular genetic methods, which specifically target microbial nucleic acids, have become important tools for the identification of both cultured and uncultured microorganisms. The sensitivity of these methods approaches that of culture-based methods and it is arguable that the specificity of these methods generally exceeds that of culture-based methods. Indeed, molecular genetic methods have become a powerful set of tools used by many investigators to detect and identify culturable microorganisms in their viable but nonculturable state, as well as organisms which have yet to be brought into culture.