寄生虫症における遺伝子検査の意義

抄録

Pathogenic analysis of clinical samples to detect the causative agent is the most reliable method of confirming infection. Morphological examination using light microscopy is a convenient tool, but the information thus obtained is limited. In Japan, while morphological examination is still the gold standard in many parasitic infections, recent molecular studies have produced a wealth of new findings helpful in the diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of parasitic infections. Currently, genetic examination is applied in the diagnosis of various infectious diseases to obtain rapid and accurate results and also to understand their molecular epidemiology. It is expected that molecular methodologies will be necessary for the diagnosis of various parasitic infections. In the present paper, the author summarizes the significance and prospects of genetic examination in parasitic infections.