Demystifying PCR tests, challenges, alternatives, and future: A quick review focusing on COVID and fungal infections

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique is one of the most potent tools in molecular biology. It is extensively used for various applications ranging from medical diagnostics to forensic science and food quality testing. This technique has facilitated to survive COVID-19 pandemic by identifying the virus-infected individuals effortlessly and effectively. This review explores the principles, recent advancements, challenges, and alternatives of PCR technique in the context of COVID-19 and fungal infections. The introduction of PCR technique for anyone new to this field is the primary aim of this review and thereby equips them to understand the science of COVID-19 and related fungal infections in a simplistic manner.