Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Molecular biology has greatly impacted the field of infectious disease diagnosis and management. The use of molecular methods, particularly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, has led to a significant improvement in the detection and characterization of microorganisms. These methods now allow for better and more rapid identification of microorganisms in contrast with traditional laboratory methods, such as cultures. In addition to detection, molecular methods have also progressed to include detection of antimicrobial resistance genes, strain characterization through genotyping, and viral resistance which is important in monitoring responses to generic or targeted antiviral therapies. One of the key advantages of molecular methods is their ability to provide rapid results, which is particularly important for the management of infectious diseases that require prompt treatment. Molecular methods have also been used to detect and monitor antimicrobial resistance, which is an increasing public health concern worldwide. The ability to detect resistance genes in bacteria species can help to guide the selection of appropriate antibiotics and improve patient outcomes, in all medical specialties. Furthermore, molecular methods have also been used for viral strain characterization, which can provide important information for tracking outbreaks and understanding the epidemiology of infectious diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and can also monitor the emergence and spread of antibiotic- and antiviral-resistant organisms, which is, again, of great importance for infection control and public health. With these advancements, the field of molecular biology of infectious diseases is expected to continue to grow in the future and provide new insights and strategies to combat infectious diseases.

In this Special Issue, we welcome original articles, review articles, and case reports that highlight the clinical impact of molecular biology techniques for an improved clinical diagnostic of infectious diseases and their impact on a better clinical management of the patient.

Dr. Elena Rusu
Dr. Diana Roxana Pelinescu
Dr. Laura Georgiana Necula
Guest Editors

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