Next-Generation Sequencing: A Critical Review of Its Applications in Clinical Microbiology

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is fast supplementing and improving the current conventional sequencing. This is as a result of its ability to sequence pathogen genomes and interpret the information in near real-time. The aim of this paper is to review the applications of next-generation sequencing in clinical microbiology. With the speedy advances in NGS innovations, clinical and public health microbiology labs are progressively accepting NGS innovation in their workflows into their diagnostic procedures. In this review, it has been found that the applications of NGS in the clinical and public health microbiology settings are not disposable, and have the potential to guide clinicians in tailoring treatment to dynamic genomic changes of microbes. Next-generation sequencing has opened a broad new area of research with the potential to revolutionize personalized cancer medicine. Advances in NGS have demonstrated a distinct advantage in diagnostic microbiology, fundamentally lessening the time from diagnosis to clinical treatment.