UTILITY OF NEWER TECHNIQUES FOR CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PATHOGENIC ANAEROBIC-BACTERIA

Results of genetic and biochemical analyses have broadened our underst anding of taxonomic relationships among groups of anaerobic bacteria a nd have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of infection . Conventional bacteriologic methods are still of prime importance for the detection and identification of anaerobic pathogens. The use of n ucleic acid probes has so far been restricted to research laboratories . A polymerase chain reaction-generated probe would be most useful for the rapid detection of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in feces. Prob es are needed for detection of periodontopathogenic bacteria in dental plaque. Use of nucleic acid probes may become a useful adjunct to cla ssic methodology in reference and teaching laboratories.