Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-DNA within diseased gingiva by in situ hybridization using a biotin-labeled probe

Mycoplasma genitalium and cancer: a brief review

Approximately, 15-20% of all cancers worldwide are caused by infectious agents. Understanding the role of infectious agents on cancer development might be useful for developing new approaches to its prevention. Mycoplasma genitalium is a clinically important sexually transmitted pathogen that has been associated with several human diseases. There have been a few studies suggestive of probable roles of Mycoplasma genitalium in cancer development, including prostate and ovarian cancers and lymphomas, but the role of this microorganism like other Mycoplasma species in neoplasia is still conjectural. Considering the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium infections and also the emergence of resistant strains, Mycoplasma genitalium needs more attention in the infectious agent cancer-causing research area.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for direct visualization of microorganisms

As a technique allowing simultaneous visualization, identification, enumeration and localization of individual microbial cells, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is useful for many applications in all fields of microbiology. FISH not only allows the detection of culturable microorganisms, but also of yet-to-be cultured (so-called unculturable) organisms, and can therefore help in understanding complex microbial communities. In this review, methodological aspects, as well as problems and pitfalls of FISH are discussed in an examination of past, present and future applications.

Nucleic acid probes as potential tools in oral microbial epidemiology

The present review deals with genetic tools in the microbial diagnostic laboratory, types of nucleic acid probes, their construction and cloning, hybridization reactions, their sensitivity and specificity, and their advantages and limitations. The nucleic acid probes seem to possess a number of advantages over traditional diagnostic methods. DNA, RNA, and oligonucleotide probes are expected to have increased impact on our understanding of the pathogenesis and the treatment of infectious inflammatory periodontal diseases. In addition, these probes have potential application in epidemiological studies of oral microorganisms. However, the limitations of the probes must be kept in mind, and newly developed probes must be controlled with respect to the critical issues of sensitivity and specificity.