Question

A real-time PCR test for S. pneumoniae serotype 19A has been developed. With one small change, the test could detect S. pneumoniae serotype 7F instead. What small change could you make to alter the type of microorganism detected?

Answer 1

To detect S. pneumoniae serotype 7F instead of 19A in a PCR test, the primers or probes specific to the serotype's DNA sequence would need to be altered.

Step-by-step explanation:

To alter a real-time PCR test to detect S. pneumoniae serotype 7F instead of serotype 19A, one would typically need to change the sequence of the primers or probes used in the assay. Primers and probes are designed to be complementary to specific DNA sequences present in the target serotype. Since each serotype of S. pneumoniae has unique capsular polysaccharides and thus different genetic sequences, updating the primers and probes to match the specific genetic markers of serotype 7F would allow for its detection. This change capitalizes on the high specificity of nucleic acid sequences between different serotypes, highlighting their distinctive genetic variation.