Dr. Yonat Shemer Avni - Head of Clinical Virology Unit, SorokaAcademicMedicalCenter, Beer Sheva, Israel

Molecular analysis has been used to investigate the epidemiology and spread of viruses as well as virus-specific markers for clinicodiagnosis and treatment. Epidemiology of HPV (Human Papiloma Virus), HIV, HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), and HBV utilizes sequence analysis of different regions of the genome.

In recent years, genome analysis of Chlamydia Trachomatis, HIV, HBV and HCV are used extensively for the benefit of the patients. Firstly, they assist the early and the highly sensitive diagnosis of infections. Secondly, identification of genotypes of HPV/HIV/HBV-DNA, and HPV/HCV-RNA together with other markers helps to determine the outcome of infection and the prognosis. Thirdly, pharmacogenomics is applied to interferon treatment of HCV, via genotyping and viral load. And finally, analysis of drug resistant mutants in HBV and HIV infections improve therapy and the wellbeing of the patient. In our hand, the use of decision tree in the application of molecular analysis to clinical diagnostics of viral infections is highly cost-effective and beneficial to the patient.