In 2003-4 there was an increase in the
rate of diagnosis of new cases of syphilis. In response to this
situation the laboratory introduced a PCR assay for the detection
of Treponema pallidum in genital ulcers. As of early 2004
the assay is undergoing validation.
In 2003 a project to develop a PCR assay to detect Legionella
in respiratory specimens was completed; this assay is now performed
on a routine basis. The assay identifies either the Legionella
pneumophila group or Legionella species (other than pneumophila).
This assay should allow the detection of Legionella in cases where
antibiotic therapy has already been commenced and culture will
be unlikely to yield a result.
Further research projects include the development of a PCR assay
for detection of Pneumocystis carinii. Current detection
methods rely on staining of processed specimen and are particularly
labour intensive. Furthermore the sensitivity of the current assay
is often compromised by the inadequacy of specimen volume.
