Applied Sciences
| Open Access |
DOI: DNase and Conventional Biochemical Tests in the Era of Modern Bacteriological Diagnostics: A Critical Review
Mahi Gambhir , Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Gomti Nagar Extension, Lucknow-226028 (INDIA)Abstract
Currently, clinical bacteriology finds itself at the crossroads, as increasingly more advanced diagnostic techniques such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry or whole-genome sequencing (WGS) become available and popular. However, despite these technological innovations, this review highlights the significance and value of classic biochemical analyses, particularly those involving the DNase test, in the modern context. The classic DNase test continues to prove its reliability by demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 96% to 99% regarding the detection of Staphylococcus aureus. Although the use of contemporary technologies, e.g., MALDI-TOF, allows obtaining the diagnosis faster, these tools may fail to achieve the level of accuracy provided by traditional techniques, especially in case of rare species of bacteria or lack of data in the spectrum database. Additionally, modern automated devices such as VITEK 2 operate based on the same biochemical principles as the classic approaches; thus, their implementation represents further development of the latter.
As for developing nations, classic biochemical analysis still represents the most cost-effective and sustainable method for conducting the diagnostics without requiring sophisticated equipment such as a spectrophotometer. Overall, this review reveals that the "tiered" strategy combining the approaches discussed above should represent the cornerstone of the diagnostics of the field.
Keywords
Staphylococcus aureus, DNase, whole-genome sequencing, biochemical analysis, MALDI-TOF Spectrophotometer
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