Pathogen discovery

There are many clinical syndromes that pose diagnostic conundrums. Despite clinical symptoms consistent with an infectious etiology, many of these cases are negative by all clinical diagnostic assays. Specimens from such cases are ideal substrates for pathogen discovery efforts, which entail a range of additional technical methods beyond those routinely used in the diagnostic laboratory. Furthermore, the number of emerging infectious diseases has greatly increased in the last 2 decades. Many emerging infectious diseases originate from cross-species transmissions from animals to humans. Recent environmental and ecological changes are leading to a greater frequency of human and wildlife interactions that catalyze pathogen emergence. Furthermore, globalization and improvements to travel have made it easier for infectious diseases to spread rapidly. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel pathogens in a rapid and efficient manner. Thus, pathogen discovery is a critical component of modern public health care.