Abstract and subjects
Identification of microorganisms using nucleic acid sequencing has become a well-established field, with a variety of applications. With rapid changes in both hardware and software technologies over the last decade, the ability for a single microbial type to be identified in a complex sample is becoming easier and more robust with each turn. In this chapter we explore the history of sequencing and the upcoming challenges, and the importance of sequencing to public health and biodefense. We will also look at how sequencing fits with other orthogonal data types and the technology’s current abilities and limitations, as well as taking a forward look at sequencing overall.