Infectious diseases, caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, pose ongoing global health challenges. Research into these pathogens is critical for uncovering their origins, understanding transmission dynamics, and informing the development of effective diagnostics, therapeutics, and public health interventions.
Infectious disease research plays a critical role in understanding pathogen origin, evolution, and transmission. It also supports public health through surveillance strategies like wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to track emerging threats such as SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox. Choosing a method for infectious disease research can depend on multiple factors, including sample type, sample quantity and quality, research objectives, and budget. Common research methods include:
RT-qPCR is a key method for rapid, sensitive pathogen detection in infectious disease solutions. With validated controls, it supports quantitative analysis. IDT gene fragments offer reliable standards, though they lack full genomic data and need extensive optimization for FDA-approved diagnostics [1].
Digital PCR offers highly precise, absolute quantification of DNA molecules with superior sensitivity and inhibitor tolerance compared to RT-qPCR [1]. It excels at detecting rare mutations, though its lower scalability makes it less suited for high-throughput studies [2].
NGS is a high-throughput method that enables comprehensive genomic analysis of pathogens [3]. It supports targeted and untargeted approaches, such as amplicon or metagenomic sequencing, and is ideal for variant detection and evolutionary studies, but it is less cost-effective and more complex than qPCR.
Antibody-based methods, such as ELISA and lateral flow assays, offer rapid, user-friendly detection with high specificity [4]. However, they are less sensitive and not high throughput. Developing these assays requires high-affinity antibodies, often identified using phage or yeast display libraries.
Many infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, and monkeypox, are caused by viruses. Viral surveillance programs track the geographic and temporal spread of these pathogens to detect emerging outbreaks [5]. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, such efforts were essential for identifying novel variants and informing public health responses [6].
As viruses evolve, changes in their genetic material can reduce the effectiveness of diagnostic or therapeutic tools initially designed to target them, highlighting the need for continuous genomic monitoring. Read more about viral surveillance here.
Selecting the optimal NGS method for SARS-CoV-2 research depends on your goals. Download this 6-page brochure to compare amplicon sequencing and hybridization capture strategies.
Offers precise and rapid detection of various pathogens, enabling early diagnosis and intervention.
With flexible assay design, labs can confidently analyze a range of sexually transmitted infection targets.
PrimeTime qPCR Probe and Primer Assays were designed for efficient and precise gene expression analysis.
Mastermix that offers the flexibility to amplify from crude or purified samples.
Track the spread in a single-tube, ~2.5 hour workflow.
Primer and probe set with control, targets Avian Influenza Type A (H5) Clade 2.3.4.4b.
Identify the unidentified. Our team is ready to answer questions to help you reach your infectious disease research goals.
