Use of CRISPR in Infection Control

One of the greatest threats to the global world is infectious diseases. The morbidity and fatality of infectious diseases cause 17 million deaths annually. The recent COVID-19 pandemic describes the uncertain potential of these diseases. Understanding the pathogenesis of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. and the evolution of rapid diagnostic techniques and treatments has become a pressing priority to improve infectious disease outcomes worldwide. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) constitute the adaptive immune system of archaea and bacteria along with CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins that recognize and destroy foreign DNA acting as molecular scissors. Since their discovery, CRISPR systems are classified into 6 types and 22 subtypes. Type II, V, and VI are used for diagnostic purposes. Utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system's capabilities will aid promote the development of novel and improved diagnostics as well as innovative delivery systems and the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.