Petri Dishes to PCR: Navigating the Transition from Traditional to Molecular Diagnostic Techniques in Microbiology

Clinicians have always been concerned with the prompt and accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases. With the advent of modern technology, such as automated identification systems and molecular testing, traditional methods such as microscopy and culture, which have been useful for decades, are no longer considered sufficient. This has consequently led to the idea that traditional methods are unnecessary and should be replaced completely with molecular methods. The author wants to shed light on the value of conventional methods, which represent some of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to diagnose infectious diseases. These methods also provide valuable information regarding antimicrobial susceptibility, which is instrumental for antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. The author recommends that conventional and molecular methods should be used in conjunction wherever applicable, rather than being used exclusively, especially in developing countries with limited molecular testing facilities. Key Words: Molecular techniques, Microbiology, Microscopy, Culture, PCR, MALDI-TOF.