A NEW STAGE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES:
Molecular microbiology is the subdiscipline of microbiology that amplifies the DNA/RNA of the target microorganism in a collected sample until it reaches a detectable level. This has made much more sensitive and rapid diagnosis possible and has opened a new era in clinical microbiology. At Wellcare Laboratories, we follow these innovations and support our physicians in diagnosis. Detecting a single microorganism in a sample is called monoplex PCR, while detecting many pathogens at the same time is called multiplex PCR.
WHAT IS MULTIPLEX PCR?
Multiplex PCR is a next-generation molecular method. With this molecular method, more than one bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic pathogen can be detected in a single run. The advantage of the multiplex PCR method over conventional monoplex PCR is that many pathogens can be identified in a single run.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS OF MULTIPLEX PCR TO DIAGNOSIS?
Rapid Results
Thanks to PCR technology, pathogens can be detected in a short time. There is no need to wait days for growth, as with culture methods.
High Sensitivity
Because the pathogen's DNA or RNA is targeted, pathogens can be detected even when only a very small number are present. Therefore, sensitivity is high.
Unaffected by Antibiotics
Because the pathogen's DNA is detected, detection is possible even when antibiotic use would inhibit growth in culture. This increases the reliability of the result.
Multiple Detection
With the multiplex PCR method, viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic pathogens can be screened together in a single run. This provides a comprehensive diagnosis.
Treatment Monitoring
A follow-up test must be performed at least 3–4 weeks after treatment ends, because of dead bacterial DNA.
Multiplex PCR Panels
Sexually Transmitted Infections (12 pathogens)First-morning urine / Genital swab
- HSV-1, HSV-2
- Neisseria Gonorrhea (Gonorrhea)
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis)
- This PCR is meaningful only on a swab taken from a genital sore; syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum
- These bacteria are common in healthy people; a positive result alone does not require treatment and must be interpreted by a physician.
- Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium
- Chlamydia trachomatis (A-K + L1-L3)
- Haemophilus ducreyi
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus, 35 subtypes)Cervical swab
- 18 High-Risk HPV: genotypes 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73 and 82.
- 17 Low-Risk HPV: genotypes 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 55, 61, 62, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72, 81 and 84.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (26 pathogens)Nasopharyngeal / Oropharyngeal swab
- Viruses: Influenza virus A, Influenza virus A H1N1 2009, Influenza virus A H3, Influenza virus B, Human metapneumovirus, Respiratory syncytial virus A/B, Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, Human parainfluenza virus type 1/2/3/4, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, Human coronavirus 229E, Human coronavirus HKU-1, Human coronavirus OC43, Human coronavirus NL63, Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
- Bacteria: Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Gastroenteritis (24 pathogens)Stool sample
- Viruses: Sapovirus GI/GII/GIV/GV, Adenovirus, Astrovirus, Norovirus GI/GII, Rotavirus A
- Gram-positive bacteria: Clostridium difficile Toxin A/B
- A positive result usually does not mean disease in children under 2 years; in adults it is meaningful only in the presence of unexplained ≥3 watery diarrhea episodes.
- Gram-negative bacteria: Plesiomonas shigelloides, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, Shigella/Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Yersinia enterocolitica
- Parasites: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis
Tropical Fever (21 pathogens)Blood sample
- Viruses: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus, Dengue virus, Ebola virus, Hantavirus, Mayaro virus, Rift Valley fever virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus, Yellow fever virus, Chikungunya virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus
- Bacteria: Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Salmonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Leptospira spp., Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Parasites: Trypanosoma cruzi, Plasmodium spp., Leishmania spp.
About Molecular Microbiology (PCR)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCR test, and is it used only for COVID-19?
PCR is a molecular testing method that detects the genetic material of microorganisms. It is not used only for COVID-19; it can also be used to assess various conditions, such as HPV, sexually transmitted infections, respiratory tract infections and intestinal infections. The microorganisms tested for vary depending on the scope of the selected test.
Where can I have a PCR test in Northern Cyprus?
You can obtain information about PCR tests from our branches at Wellcare Health Clinic in Nicosia, Miracle Hospital in Nicosia and Medicalport Tunççevik Hospital in Kyrenia. As sample collection and acceptance requirements may vary depending on the type of test, we recommend contacting our branches before your visit.
Which PCR panels are available at Wellcare?
Wellcare Laboratories offers PCR panels for HPV genotyping, sexually transmitted infections, respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis and pathogens that cause tropical fevers. The appropriate panel is determined based on your symptoms, exposure or travel history and your doctor's assessment. Not every patient needs to be tested with all panels.
What is multiplex PCR, and what advantages does it offer?
Multiplex PCR allows multiple targets to be tested for in a single sample during the same analysis. It can help assess different microorganisms that may cause similar symptoms. However, it only tests for the targets included in the panel; it does not detect all infections, and a broader panel does not always mean a more appropriate test.
What sample is collected for a PCR test, and do I need to fast?
The sample type varies depending on the infection being investigated. A nasal or throat swab may be used for respiratory tract tests, a stool sample for the gastroenteritis panel, a cervical sample for HPV testing, and an appropriate urine sample or genital swab for sexually transmitted infection tests. Some tests require a blood sample. Fasting is generally not required, but you should obtain sample collection and preparation instructions from our laboratory before the test.
Can I have a PCR test while taking antibiotics?
Testing may be possible in some cases; however, antibiotic use can affect the interpretation of the test. Treatment may reduce the amount of the microorganism; on the other hand, genetic material from the microorganism may remain detectable for some time after treatment. Inform your doctor of the medications you are taking and your treatment dates. The timing of a follow-up test depends on the infection; there is no single waiting period that applies to all PCR tests. Do not stop your treatment without consulting your doctor.