In recent years, molecular techniques have enhanced our ability to detect sexually transmitted infections and to conduct research to further our und- standing of sexually transmitted diseases. Molecular methods to quantitate pathogen load have also been shown to be useful for the management of HIV and other viral STDs. Existing laboratory manuals for the clinical microbi- ogy laboratory often do not include molecular methods for STDs. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Methods and Protocols is intended to fill the need for a dedicated manual that covers all the fundamental aspects of molecular pro- cols for laboratory diagnosis, as well as research methodology for STDs, - cluding HIV. There are more than types of molecular techniques described in this book covering nine major sexually transmitted pathogens. Although mole- lar methods for the detection of such pathogens as Trichomonas vaginalis are available in the published literature, they have not been included since they are not yet widely used for laboratory diagnosis or research. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Methods and Protocols is one of a series of books treating Methods Molecular Medicine, published by Humana Press.

Klappentext

A comprehensive collection of cutting-edge molecular protocols for the laboratory diagnosis and study of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. The methods-each crafted by a leading expert for comprehensiveness and genuine laboratory utility-cover the major sexually transmitted pathogens, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilius ducreyl, Treponema pallidum, and herpes simplex. Additional molecular techniques are included for detecting the genital mycoplasmas, hepatitis B virus, HIV-1, human papillomavirus. Sexually Transmitted Disease Protocols provides a comprehensive collection of foolproof molecular methods for STD diagnosis, research, and patient management.

Inhalt
Overview.- The Impact of Molecular Technology on STD Control.- Molecular Techniques for the Detection of Sexually Transmitted Pathogens.- Neisseria gonorrhoeae.- Molecular Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis Infections by Probe Hybridization, PCR, LCR,TMA, and Q-? Replicase.- Haemophilus ducreyi Detection by PCR.- Detection of Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi, and Herpes Simplex Virus by Multiplex PCR.- Detection of Genital Mycoplasmas by PCR.- Hepatitis B Virus.- Molecular Diagnosis of HIV-1 by PCR.- Research Techniques for Epidemiology and the Management of STDs.- Genotyping of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis and PCR.- Genotyping Chlamydia trachomatis by PCR.- Human Papillomavirus Detection by PCR and Typing by Dot-Blot.- Quantitation of HIV-1 RNA in Dried Plasma Spots (DPS).- Collection and Processing of Seminal Plasma for the Quantitation of HIV-1 RNA by NASBA and RT-PCR.- Molecular Technology for STD Diagnosis and Research: the New Challenges.- Molecular Techniques for HIV and STDs.