Molecular diagnostics of infectious disease: Detection and characterization of microbial agents in cytology samples

Cytology samples are widely used to diagnose various infectious diseases by detection and identification of causative infectious agents, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The role of cytopathology in infectious disease has expanded tremendously in the past decades with the advances in molecular techniques. Molecular diagnostic methods, compared to conventional methods, have shown improved patient outcome, reduction in cost, and shortened hospital stay times. The aim of this article is to review molecular testing in cytology samples for diagnosis of infectious diseases.

The literature search for molecular testing in common cytology samples for diagnosis of infectious diseases was performed. The findings of the studies were summarized. The common cytology samples included in this article were gynecologic specimens, cerebrospinal fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage, and urine samples.

There are a number of molecular diagnostic tests that are available to be used in common cytology samples to detect infectious agents. Each test has its own advantages and limitations. It is our hope that upon reading this review article, the readers will have better understanding of molecular diagnostic testing of infectious diseases utilizing commonly sampled cytology specimens in daily practice.