A Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) como estratégia de diagnóstico e monitoramento nas protozooses: uma revisão integrativa

Introduction: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique that enables the amplification of specific DNA sequences, allowing the detection of minimal amounts of genetic material with high sensitivity and specificity. Objective: To investigate the contributions of PCR in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of protozoan infections, as well as in the molecular surveillance of drug resistance. Method: An integrative review was conducted through the analysis of research articles addressing the application of PCR. Searches were performed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) in May 2025 using the descriptors and Boolean operators “Polymerase Chain Reaction” AND “Protozoan Infections.” Full-text articles published between May 2020 and May 2025 were included. After reviewing titles and abstracts, studies not directly related to the topic were excluded. The remaining articles were examined in full and selected based on relevance. Results: Eight articles were selected, including studies conducted in countries such as Bolivia, China, Gabon, Iran, Israel, Mozambique, Thailand, and Tanzania. The review highlighted the superiority of PCR over traditional microscopy in diagnosing protozoan infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients and in the accurate differentiation of morphologically similar species. Epidemiological applications were also noted, including environmental surveillance and the identification of transmission routes. The studies identified challenges related to protocol standardization, implementation costs, and result interpretation. Promising future perspectives were noted, such as the development of accessible multiplex tests and integration with public health systems. Conclusion: PCR has proven to be an effective tool for early detection, clinical monitoring, and molecular surveillance of protozoan infections, significantly contributing to the control and management of these diseases.