Identification and Typing Methods for the Study of Bacterial Infections: a Brief Review and Mycobacterial as Case of Study

Graciela Castro-Escarpulli, Na

Abstract

Several techniques based on molecular biology and analytical chemistry has been developed to reduce some of the bacterial characterization limitations. Molecular methods represent the best alternative to identify bacterial strains isolated from diverse origins and to improve research in the context of molecular epidemiology. However, these methodologies are laborious and costly compared to phenotypic or classical techniques, and there are no reliable routine laboratories. This review shall provide basic elements for the understanding of these methodologies and raise interest in their collaborative use among analytical laboratories where bacterial identification and typing are priorities, because molecular methods are not universally implemented but are available in research and reference laboratories.