The Evolution and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics in Veterinary and Clinical Medicine: From Traditional Methods to Emerging Technologies.

Molecular diagnostics have revolutionized veterinary and clinical medicine by enabling rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of pathogens and genetic markers. This comprehensive review traces the evolution of diagnostic techniques from traditional culture and serology methods to advanced molecular technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), digital PCR (dPCR), real-time PCR, isothermal amplification, and hybridization-based approaches including DNA arrays and padlock probes. The review highlights the benefits and limitations of each technology, emphasizing the enhanced sensitivity and specificity molecular methods offer over conventional diagnostics. Emerging technologies such as microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices and nanotechnology-based sensors are discussed for their potential to provide rapid, cost-effective, and multiplexed diagnostics at the point of care. The critical importance of assay validation and laboratory quality standards is also explored, underscoring their role in ensuring reliable diagnostic outcomes in veterinary clinical and regulatory settings. Collectively, these advances have significantly improved disease detection, surveillance, and management in animal health, with ongoing innovations promising further breakthroughs in diagnostic capabilities.