RECENT ADVANCES IN DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Abstract

The global landscape of infectious disease diagnostics has undergone a profound transformation, shifting from slow, culture-based methods to rapid, highly sensitive molecular techniques. This narrative review synthesizes recent advances from 2010 to 2024, exploring how innovations like next-generation sequencing (NGS), advanced CRISPR-based platforms, and digital PCR have revolutionized pathogen detection. We examine the pivotal role of these technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the development and adoption of point-of-care (POC) molecular testing and multiplex syndromic panels. The integration of artificial intelligence with genomic data has enhanced antimicrobial resistance prediction and outbreak tracking, while novel isothermal amplification methods have democratized access to testing in resource-limited settings. By evaluating the clinical utility, limitations, and future trajectory of these tools, this review highlights a paradigm shift toward a decentralized, data-driven diagnostic model essential for precision medicine and global health security. The convergence of genomics, microfluidics, and machine learning is not merely improving diagnostics; it is fundamentally reshaping our approach to infectious disease management.