Detection and Analysis of Clinical Microbial Infections

Dear Colleagues,

Microbiological infections and diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. This issue has caused worldwide concern and requires rapid detection and identification of the pathogens responsible for microbial infections. The first crucial and complex phase of the diagnostic process is the definition of the methods for collecting microbiological samples. In fact, depending on the heterogeneous diffusion and probable low number of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as on the chosen diagnostic method that will be used, sampling can be considered a difficult step, especially in chronic infections. The identification methods can be grouped into different clinical–diagnostic categories, namely methods of isolation and culture with the determination of phenotypic and biochemical characteristics; morphological observation under microscope, particularly used for mixed microbial populations and non-culturable pathogens; antigenic tests, commonly used for their rapidity and simplicity; serological assays, with high specificity and sensitivity; and molecular biology techniques, for a definite microorganism recognition. "-Omics" technologies, in particular genomics (PCR, PFGE, ribotyping, RFLP, RAPD-PCR, DNA sequencing, WGS) and transcriptomics (qPCR, RNA sequencing), but also proteomics (MALDI-TOF MS) and metabolomics (mass spectrometry-based methods), with an improved advancement of their limit of detection, are considered the firestones of clinical microbial analysis.

In addition to the demand for a rapid and accurate diagnosis, due to new emerging microbial pathogens, there is a need for greater standardization of testing and centralized laboratories with the ability to collect and analyze large quantities of samples and perform various identification techniques.

Research articles and systematic reviews are both welcome.

Manuscript topics may include the following:

• Identification of unculturable pathogens and mixed microbial populations.

• Sampling, culture, and isolation of the pathogen responsible for infectious diseases.
• Advantages and limits of clinical microbial identification techniques.
• New molecular biology techniques for microbial identification.
• Standardization of techniques and sample data centralization.

Dr. Stefano Ravaioli
Guest Editor

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