AI Technologies and Molecular Diagnostics for Managing Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Infectious disease genomics and diagnostics are being driven by advances in molecular diagnostics, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. Ultra-sensitive digital PCR, CRISPR-Cas-based tests, and real-time nanopore sequencing allow rapid and accurate detection of pathogens. AI algorithms combine multi-omics information to reveal host-pathogen interactions, predict disease progression, and track antimicrobial resistance. Real-time AI-assisted surveillance and outbreak prediction enhance public health interventions, and AI-facilitated CRISPR platforms evolve to counter new emergent pathogens. Quantum computing is on the horizon to accelerate the analysis of complex genomic information beyond the reach of classical computation. Fully automated molecular diagnostic labs integrating robotics, AI, and cloud computing enable scalable, accurate, and timely testing with reduced human interaction. Ethical, legal, and social considerations are still paramount to provide fairness, privacy, and transparency to AI-based diagnostics. Synergistically, the technologies are guiding a new age of personalized and proactive infectious disease control with immense potential to enhance global health outcomes and epidemic preparedness.