Use of Molecular Methods in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Molecular DNA methods are essential for evaluating the spread of hospital-acquired microorganisms. These methods are increasingly used in epidemiologic investigation of bacteria, viruses, mycobacteria, and yeast. Evaluation of plasmids and chromosomal DNA is done using restriction enzyme analysis and agarose gel or pulsed-field gradient gel electrophoresis. Contour-clamped homogeneous electric field electrophoresis (CHEF) is the method of choice in most situations. A knowledge of epidemiology is essential for control of spread.