Infectious Diseases

Diagnostics and Molecular Tools in Infectious Disease

Accurate and timely diagnosis is fundamental in the management and control of infectious diseases. Traditional methods like culture and microscopy are often time-consuming or limited in sensitivity. Molecular diagnostics—such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and CRISPR-based tools—have revolutionized infectious disease detection. These methods allow for rapid identification of pathogens, genotyping, resistance profiling, and outbreak tracking. Point-of-care diagnostics, especially in low-resource settings, enable earlier treatment decisions and better patient outcomes. Serological assays, antigen tests, and biosensors also complement molecular tools in detecting both active and past infections. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly being integrated with diagnostic platforms to improve interpretation and prediction. While advances have increased testing speed and accuracy, challenges remain around cost, accessibility, and infrastructure. Ongoing innovation and global collaboration are crucial for expanding the reach and effectiveness of diagnostic tools in infectious disease management.