In addition, Nocton et al. DNA provides much higher sensitivity than either one performed by itself. The multiplex PCR is a direct assay for the presence of the microorganism, and has the consequent potential to identify the etiological agent. The assay is independent of the host's immune response schedule. Therefore, much earlier detection of the microorganism is possible.
Direct testing allows the monitoring of the efficacy of an antibiotic regime.
The DNA probes used for the selection of B. burgdorferi genomic and plasmid DNA fragments are designed from published sequences. A B. burgdorferi -specific primer, as used herein, refers to a synthetically produced nucleic acid sequence that, by design and selection, contains specific nucleotide sequences. Therefore, only B. burgdorferi -specific DNA is amplified. In the third step, the PCR amplified B. burgdorferi DNA fragments are detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. The combination of these three steps imparts very high specificity and sensitivity to the test.