[Overview of PCR-based Diagnostic Assays for Emerging Infectious Disease Pathogens]

Continuous genetic variation in pathogens enhances their infectious potential and promotes the emergence of infectious disease outbreaks, highlighting the need for diagnostic technologies capable of broad-range detection. Herein, we introduce pan-polymerase chain reaction (pan-PCR) and multiplex PCR assays to identify the causative agents of emerging or unknown infectious diseases.

To introduce the research, development, and practical applications of pan-PCR and multiplex PCR assays for pathogen diagnosis, a comprehensive review was conducted. The review focused on recent domestic and international institutional reports and academic literature on public health and PCR-based diagnostic methods. Literature published since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was included.

Both technologies have been recognized as core diagnostic approaches to effectively respond to emerging and unknown infectious diseases. Pan-PCR uses conserved gene regions for the initial screening of unknown pathogens, whereas multiplex PCR is used to simultaneously identify specific pathogens, including co-infection cases. These two technologies could be utilized complementarily to identify the causative agents of emerging infectious diseases.

Pan-PCR and multiplex PCR show promise as key diagnostic platforms to facilitate proactive responses in the face of infectious disease threats in the future. The simultaneous use of both technologies, capitalizing on their respective strengths in versatility and specificity, is likely to improve diagnostic capabilities for emerging or unknown infectious diseases and strengthen public health surveillance.