Molecular Tests to Detect Tropical Viruses: Where We Are, and Where We Are Going

Tropical diseases (TDs) that are carried by viruses are among the leading causes of death globally. Among the diseases, such as yellow fever, Ebola, dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and rotavirus, outbreaks have led to pandemics and epidemics around the world, resulting in millions of deaths. Factors such as climate change, increased migration, urbanization, and overcrowding exacerbate the spread of these diseases, pressing health systems to adapt rapidly. These conditions underscore the critical need for early and accurate diagnosis to facilitate effective treatment and control. However, traditional diagnostic methods often fall short, leading to misdiagnoses due to their limitations in accuracy and availability. The emergence of novel viral diseases, such as Oropouche virus in Central and South America and mpox in Central Africa, stresses the critical importance of advancing research and surveillance efforts to enhance rapid detection and prevention of potential outbreaks.

This Research Topic aims to confront the obstacles impeding the early diagnosis of tropical viruses by focusing on the refinement of nucleic acid-based tests. Such tests are crucial as they can precisely differentiate between pathogens, crucial for preventing misdiagnoses. We explore the potential of advanced technologies like loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), CRISPR-based systems, and next-generation sequencing that promise to transform current diagnostic methodologies. Our objective is to assemble a diverse collection of research articles that push the boundaries of knowledge in this area and suggest practical, innovative solutions for pathogen detection.

To gather further insights in accurate and rapid disease detection, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

· Development and validation of novel nucleic acid-based tests for various tropical viruses.

· Optimization of methods for nucleic acid extraction.

· New applications of isothermal amplification techniques and CRISPR-based diagnostics.

· Use of machine learning and bioinformatics to improve diagnostic software and data interpretation.

· Innovative microfluidic techniques in viral detection.