Diagnostic Microbiology: Principles, Technologies, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives

Diagnostic microbiology has transformed from traditional pathogen detection methods into a multidisciplinary field integrating molecular diagnostics, genomics, proteomics, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, methodologies, and emerging technologies shaping modern microbial diagnostics. It covers conventional approaches, including microscopy, culture techniques, biochemical identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, alongside advanced platforms such as PCR, mass spectrometry, next-generation sequencing, multi-omics analysis, point-of-care diagnostics, biosensors, and AI-driven diagnostic systems. The book highlights the critical role of diagnostic microbiology in antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, healthcare-associated infection surveillance, and One Health strategies. By presenting current advances and future perspectives, this reference demonstrates how diagnostic laboratories are evolving into intelligent, integrated systems capable of providing rapid, accurate, and predictive solutions for infectious disease detection, characterization, and global health management.