Rapid Identification and Characterization of Microbial Pathogens by Molecular Biology Techniques.

Microbial infections including bacterial and viral infections are potentially life-threatening and require rapid identification and characterization of the microorganisms. Rapid and accurate detection of foodborne microorganisms from food, environment and clinical samples requires characterization to the species and/or subspecies level as well as determining their antibiotic susceptibility. These steps are important for: 1) selecting appropriate antibiotics, 2) reducing morbidity and mortality, and 3) reducing health care costs.