Viral Diagnostics: Advancements for Rapid and Enhanced Detection

Over the last few years, viral diagnostics have made tremendous progress, pushed by the demands of fast and precise detection of pathogens. Such advances are crucial for efficient surveillance, disease control, prompt treatment, and management of outbreaks. Molecular diagnostic techniques have transformed the identification of infectious diseases, especially viral diseases. A few factors impact the success of viral diagnosis, such as the sample type and quality, when it was collected, how it was transported, and the validity, specificity, and sensitivity of the diagnostic technique used.

Virology and diagnostic advances have enabled detection that is earlier, more precise, and thus improved treatment and containment measures can be implemented. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, particularly metagenomics and whole-genome sequencing, have been at the forefront of the discovery and tracking of new viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Meanwhile, newer diagnostic tests, including digital PCR, CRISPR-based tests, and serology tests like ELISA, enhance detection speed, sensitivity, and specificity. Research also investigates innovations like lateral flow immunoassays, biosensors, and aptamers that can enhance diagnostic precision in a range of applications. Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics is also revolutionizing the sector, with benefits in viral evolution analysis and outbreak control. A special Issue on "Viral Diagnostics: Advancements for Rapid and Enhanced Detection" has been launched.

This special issue seeks to encompass a collection of high-quality research works investigating the recent progress in viral diagnostics, continuing problems in accuracy and detection, and emerging technologies that are influencing the future direction of the field. Improving early detection continues to be vital to rendering diagnostic systems more affordable and responsive to emerging viral threats. Researchers are encouraged to contribute original research works, clinical studies, and review articles in these areas.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: diagnostics, emerging technologies, NGS, viral, rapid detection, rapid identification

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.