Rapid Methods and Automation in Microbiology and Immunology

A coverage of the increasing need for more accurate microbial control of the environment, food and water. It argues for rapid, reliable automated and field-use procedures. New biochemical approaches such as polymerase chain reaction, recombinant gene products and synthetic peptides are discussed.

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The current diagnostic methods for the great variety of microbial agents affecting health are unsatisfactory. New important pathogens have emerged, including the agent responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Moreover, there is an increasing need for more accurate microbial control of our environment, and of the fool and water we consume. What is needed are rapid, sensitive and reliable procedures which, on the one hand, should be suitable for automation and on the other hand, presented in a cost-effective version suitable for field use. Including new biochemical approaches, such as polymerase chain reaction, recombinant gene products and synthetic peptides, these needs are discussed in these protocols of the RAMI-90 congress.