Abstract
We report the use of a SERS based DNA detection assay for the multiplexed, quantification of three bacterial meningitis pathogens.
Highlights
The detection of DNA sequences correlating to speci c disease states has become vital in medical diagnostics
It has been reported that the administration of antibiotics prior to sample collection has a detrimental effect on the positive identi cation of the bacterial meningitis pathogens
The novel detection assay described provides an ideal alternative to traditional laboratory methods, eliminating the use of DNA ampli cation and results obtained are not obscured by the administration of antibiotics prior to sample collection
Summary
The detection of DNA sequences correlating to speci c disease states has become vital in medical diagnostics. The majority of current methods of DNA detection involve the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with various uorescence-based techniques.[1,2] An alternative optical spectroscopy is surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) which is fast becoming a sensitive,[3] highly molecularly speci c technique with the ability to detect multiple analytes simultaneously due to the characteristic molecular ngerprint spectra obtained.[4,5] As a result, numerous assays have been developed that involve the direct detection of DNA using SERS.[6,7,8,9,10,11] The detection of many different disease states is possible but in order to demonstrate the potential of using SERS for analysis of disease, we opted for an infectious disease target since when the target is present, a positive result and identi cation is possible. It is imperative that the correct pathogen is identi ed to allow for the most effective course of treatment. Results obtained from this new assay format are not affected by the presence of any antibiotics
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