What are the Advantages of DNA Amplification in Epidemiology?
There are several advantages of using DNA amplification techniques in epidemiology:
Sensitivity: PCR can detect low levels of DNA, making it possible to identify pathogens even in early stages of infection. Specificity: Targeted amplification ensures that only the DNA of interest is replicated, reducing the chance of false positives. Speed: PCR is a relatively quick process, providing results in a matter of hours rather than days. Quantification: Real-time PCR (qPCR) allows for the quantification of DNA, providing information on the pathogen load in a sample.