The Molecular Technology Revolution and Bacterial Identification: Unexpected Consequences for Clinical Microbiologists

The introduction of sophisticated molecular technologies (16S rRNA gene sequencing, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight [MALDI-TOF], and whole-genome sequencing) into many clinical and diagnostic microbiology laboratories has brought with it enhanced capabilities for the accurate identification of many prokaryotic species not resolvable by common phenotypic or commercially automated methods. Along with this heightened capacity to provide highly accurate bacterial identifications have come some indirect consequences that may not be entirely appreciated by the scientific community. Some examples of these consequences are a transitional approach to training and a different skill set for current laboratorians, a quickly changing bacterial taxonomy, and peer-reviewed literature requiring much closer scrutiny. This article provides an overview of the present situation and challenges to microbiologists as the field moves forward.