More articles from Minireview
- MinireviewPerformance of Saliva, Oropharyngeal Swabs, and Nasal Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Detection: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs are considered the highest-yield sample for diagnostic testing for respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The need to increase capacity for SARS-CoV-2 testing in a variety of settings, combined with shortages of sample collection supplies, have motivated a search for alternative sample types with high sensitivity.
- MinireviewImmunologic Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Infection from the Antigen Perspective
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread globally as a severe pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 infection stimulates antigen-specific antibody responses.
- MinireviewUnstimulated Pleural Fluid Interferon Gamma for Diagnosis of Tuberculous Pleural Effusion: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Unstimulated interferon gamma may be a useful pleural fluid biomarker in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). However, the exact threshold of pleural fluid interferon gamma and its accuracy during routine clinical decision-making is not clear.
- MinireviewThe Importance and Challenges of Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Reinfections...
Reports of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection have raised important questions about the strength and durability of the immune response to primary infection, which are key factors in predicting the course of the pandemic. Identifying reinfection requires detecting the virus at two different time points and using viral genomic data to distinguish reinfection from persistent viral carriage.
- MinireviewValue of Xpert MTB/RIF Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
The performance of Xpert MTB/RIF using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains unclear. Therefore, a systematic review/meta-analysis was conducted.
- MinireviewUltrasensitive Diagnostics for Low-Density Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Low-Transmission Settings
The emergence of multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia (SEA) has accelerated regional malaria elimination efforts. Most malaria in this and other low-transmission settings exists in asymptomatic individuals, which conventional diagnostic tests lack the sensitivity to detect. This has led to the development of new ultrasensitive...
- MinireviewSHERLOCK and DETECTR: CRISPR-Cas Systems as Potential Rapid Diagnostic Tools for Emerging Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases are one of the most intimidating threats to human race, responsible for an immense burden of disabilities and deaths. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases offers a better understanding of their pathogenesis. According to the World Health Organization, the ideal approach for detecting foreign pathogens should be rapid, specific, sensitive, instrument-free, and cost-effective. Nucleic acid pathogen...
- MinireviewPotential Contributions of Anaerobes in Cystic Fibrosis Airways
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, lethal genetic disease among the Caucasian population. The leading cause of mortality is recurrent acute exacerbations resulting in chronic airway inflammation and subsequent downward progression of pulmonary function. Traditionally, these periods of clinical deterioration have been associated with several principal pathogens. However, a growing body of literature has demonstrated a polymicrobial...
- MinireviewTuberculous Meningitis: Pathogenesis, Immune Responses, Diagnostic Challenges, and the Potential of Biomarker-Based Approaches
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most devastating form of tuberculosis (TB), causing high mortality or disability. Clinical management of the disease is challenging due to limitations of the existing diagnostic approaches. Our knowledge on the immunology and pathogenesis of the disease is currently limited. More research is urgently needed to enhance our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the disease and guide us toward the...