Sequencing-based virus hunting and virus detection

Abstract

Next-generation sequencers have accelerated the advancement of virus hunting or virus detection by metagenomic analysis. Conversely, earlier works enabled virus detection with classic Sanger sequencing by elaborating sample preparation/processing techniques. In this review, we introduce virus hunting technologies both with and without cutting-edge sequencing technology and subsequently discuss the possibility that combining these technologies may extend the application of sequencing-based virus detection from scientific research to everyday diagnostics. Finally, we offer an outlook for another type of technology that leads to pathogen identification using the sequence data obtained in sequencing-based virus hunting.