What does the future hold for clinical microbiology?

Abstract

In the past decade, clinical microbiology laboratories have undergone important changes with the introduction of molecular biology techniques and laboratory automation. In the future, there will be a need for more rapid diagnoses, increased standardization of testing and greater adaptability to cope with new threats from infectious microorganisms, such as agents of bioterrorism and emerging pathogens. The combination of the new tools that are now being developed in research laboratories, the general reorganization of clinical laboratories and improved communication between physicians and clinical microbiologists should lead to profound changes in the way that clinical microbiologists work.

Figure 1. Current pathways of communication for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

The flow of information between patients, clinical microbiologists and physicians could change in the future, with some tests being carried out by patients and doctors, and redistribution of clinical microbiology services to large, centralized laboratories.

Figure 2. Modern techniques used to diagnose infectious diseases.

Advances in a number of molecular, immunological and bacteriological techniques in recent years have significantly changed the way that clinical micribiology is carried out.

Figure 3. The future organization of clinical microbiology services.

In the future, clinical microbiology might follow the general trend in the life sciences for large, centralized laboratories with the capacity to analyse large numbers of samples and to carry out a wide range of techniques.