Advances and Trends in Clinical Microbiology: A 20-Year Forecast

This issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, guest edited by James E. Kirby, delves into the future of clinical microbiology, exploring the trends and advances that will shape the field over the next two decades. The topics covered include:

1. Rapid Susceptibility Testing Methods

Discover the latest techniques in rapid susceptibility testing, enabling quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

2. Synergy Testing

Learn about the advancements in synergy testing, crucial for understanding the interactions between different antimicrobial agents.

3. Serology Testing Re-Imagined

Explore how serology testing is evolving, providing more precise and efficient diagnostic tools.

4. Total Laboratory Automation in Clinical Microbiology

Understand the impact of total laboratory automation on clinical microbiology, streamlining processes and improving accuracy.

5. MALDI-TOF

Dive into the applications and benefits of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) in clinical microbiology.

6. Superbugs of the Future

Delve into the emerging threats of antimicrobial resistance and the role of the Antimicrobial Laboratory Resistance Network.

7. Partnerships between Public Health and the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Examine the critical partnerships between public health initiatives and clinical microbiology laboratories in combating infectious diseases.

8. Next Generation Sequencing

Discover how next-generation sequencing is transforming the field, from identification to susceptibility prediction.

9. Distributed Microbiology Testing

Learn about the decentralized approach to microbiology testing, bringing diagnostics closer to the patient.

10. Direct from Sample Identification

Explore the innovative methods allowing for direct identification from samples, bypassing traditional culturing methods.

11. Biomarkers

Understand the role of biomarkers in predicting viral versus bacterial infections, aiding in more targeted treatments.

12. PK/PD in the Era of Emerging Multidrug-Resistance

Examine the challenges and opportunities in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) in the face of growing antimicrobial resistance.

13. Training the Next Generation of Clinical Microbiologists

Discuss the importance of educating and training the next generation of clinical microbiologists to meet future challenges.

14. Pictorial Illustration of Debate, Developments, and Controversy in Clinical Microbiology

Visualize the ongoing debates, advancements, and controversies in clinical microbiology through engaging illustrations and graphics.