title: Recent advances in molecular medicine techniques for the diagnosis, prevention, and control of infectious diseases.
abstract: In recent years we have observed great advances in our ability to combat infectious diseases. Through the development of novel genetic methodologies, including a better understanding of pathogen biology, pathogenic mechanisms, advances in vaccine development, designing new therapeutic drugs, and optimization of diagnostic tools, significant infectious diseases are now better controlled. Here, we briefly describe recent reports in the literature concentrating on infectious disease control. The focus of this review is to describe the molecular methods widely used in the diagnosis, prevention, and control of infectious diseases with regard to the innovation of molecular techniques. Since the list of pathogenic microorganisms is extensive, we emphasize some of the major human infectious diseases (AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, rotavirus, herpes virus, viral hepatitis, and dengue fever). As a consequence of these developments, infectious diseases will be more accurately and effectively treated; safe and effective vaccines are being developed and rapid detection of infectious agents now permits countermeasures to avoid potential outbreaks and epidemics. But, despite considerable progress, infectious diseases remain a strong challenge to human survival.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
authors: R F O
authors: RF
authors: França
authors: C C
authors: CC
authors: da Silva
authors: S O
authors: SO
authors: De Paula
mesh_terms: D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D014612:Vaccines / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines