Portable sequencer in the fight against infectious disease

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Arthur Elia Mongan1, Josef Sem Berth Tuda1, Lucky Ronald Runtuwene2

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia.

Journal of Human Genetics
|October 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Portable DNA sequencing using MinION offers a promising approach for managing infectious diseases. This technology aids in the rapid detection and characterization of pathogens, improving disease surveillance and response efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Infectious diseases remain a significant global threat, driven by pathogen adaptation to pressures like antimicrobials.
  • Traditional diagnostic methods face challenges in rapidly identifying and characterizing emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
  • Molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleic acid sequencing, are crucial for disease diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the applications of portable sequencing technology, specifically the MinION device, in infectious disease management.
  • To highlight the potential of MinION in enhancing pathogen detection, surveillance, and treatment strategies.
  • To assess the utility of portable sequencing in addressing the challenges posed by evolving infectious agents.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies utilizing the MinION portable sequencer for infectious disease-related research and diagnostics.
  • Analysis of published data on MinION's performance in pathogen identification, genetic characterization, and outbreak investigations.
  • Synthesis of findings related to MinION's application in various infectious disease contexts.

Main Results:

  • The MinION sequencer has demonstrated versatility in detecting and characterizing a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
  • Studies show MinION's capability for real-time sequencing, enabling rapid diagnosis and outbreak monitoring.
  • The portable nature of MinION facilitates its use in resource-limited settings and field-based surveillance.

Conclusions:

  • Portable sequencing with MinION represents a significant advancement in infectious disease diagnostics and management.
  • The technology holds potential for improving global health security through enhanced pathogen surveillance and response capabilities.
  • Further research and implementation are warranted to fully leverage MinION's capabilities in combating infectious diseases.

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