Review

Emerging applications of fluorescence spectroscopy in medical microbiology field

Aamir Shahzad¹ , Gottfried Köhler¹ , Martin Knapp² , Erwin Gaubitzer² , Martin Puchinger¹ and Michael Edetsberger²

¹  Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Structural Biology and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

²  OnkoTec GmbH. Waidhofen/Thaya, Vienna, Austria

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Translational Medicine 2009, 7:99doi:10.1186/1479-5876-7-99

Published:	26 November 2009

Abstract

There are many diagnostic techniques and methods available for diagnosis of medically important microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. But, almost all these techniques and methods have some limitations or inconvenience. Most of these techniques are laborious, time consuming and with chances of false positive or false negative results. It warrants the need of a diagnostic technique which can overcome these limitations and problems. At present, there is emerging trend to use Fluorescence spectroscopy as a diagnostic as well as research tool in many fields of medical sciences. Here, we will critically discuss research studies which propose that Fluorescence spectroscopy may be an excellent diagnostic as well as excellent research tool in medical microbiology field with high sensitivity and specificity.