Precision Medicine in Infectious Disease

Abstract

The conception that several infectious diseases were linked to an inherited disorder has been discussed, and every day, substantial evidence now is supported by the human genetic contribution to susceptibility to infectious diseases. Despite being a forerunner, personalized medicine (PM) is not yet routinely applied in infectious patient care. For this scope, education is a crucial step for the successful implementation of PM in the clinic, and with this part, we would like to encourage learning about PM in the communicable disease field. The information in this section will drive you through the concept of personalized infectious diseases and a piece of basic knowledge about the possibility of identifying determinants of clinical outcomes, looking at the host face through selected infectious diseases which are considered a global health issue such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection and related AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19 infection. It is especially important, as it can enable the development of one’s own thoughts and ideas to be able to understand and implement this rapidly developing field of science. A brief overview of the genetic identification of more vulnerable individuals is expected to inform personalized treatment and perhaps vaccination strategies. Additionally, new technologies are supporting the rapid identification of infective agents and targeted approaches based on the genetic resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. This information can lead to revising the data that can be used for personalized predicting diseases, improving personalized treatment, and also personalized prevention strategies specific to infectious pathogens. The last subchapter is dedicated to a deeper revision of the COVID-19 infection from a personalized medicine perspective.