Advanced pathology techniques for detecting emerging infectious disease pathogens : chapter from Advanced techniques in diagnostic microbiology : volume 2: applications

The control and prevention of infectious diseases remain a fundamental part of public health programs throughout the world. The modern medicine and public health have been challenged by a series of emerging and reemerging infections in the past three decades. These infections have posed severe threats to global public health and have raised serious questions regarding the capability of modern medicine to face their challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the dynamics and impact of these emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. Diagnostic pathology continues to be an essential counterpart of clinical microbiology in dealing with emerging and reemerging infections. Diagnosis with advanced pathology techniques not only helps identify or confirm the novel pathogens causing emerging infections but is also essential for epidemiologic surveillance and studying pathogenesis of these emerging infections.