Introduction of real-time PCR and FRET technology in detection of infectious disease

Real-time PCR is one of the revolutionized molecular techniques in the way of clinical laboratories diagnosis. This technique combines PCR with application of fluorescent probe detection in the unique reaction vessel. Generally, in this novel assay, both PCR and amplified product detection are performed in an hour or less, which is made this technique faster and less hands-on time than conventional PCR. Other descriptions of this technique is that post PCR processes, including gel electrophoresis, staining with carcinogenesis etidium bromide and gel consideration using UV, is removed and the risk for release of amplified nucleic acids and etidium bromide into the laboratory environment is decreased. Real-time PCR instrumentation requires considerably much simpler to perform than conventional PCR methods. Additionally, excellent sensitivity and specificity, low contamination risk, ease of performance and speed, has made real-time PCR technology an appealing alternative to conventional culture-based or immunoassay-based testing methods used in the clinical microbiology for diagnosing many infectious diseases. This review focuses on the introduction of real-time PCR and its techniques in the detection of infectious disease.