Leveraging artificial intelligence in the fight against infectious diseases

Science. 2023 Jul 14;381(6654):164-170. doi: 10.1126/science.adh1114. Epub 2023 Jul 13.

Abstract

Despite advances in molecular biology, genetics, computation, and medicinal chemistry, infectious disease remains an ominous threat to public health. Addressing the challenges posed by pathogen outbreaks, pandemics, and antimicrobial resistance will require concerted interdisciplinary efforts. In conjunction with systems and synthetic biology, artificial intelligence (AI) is now leading to rapid progress, expanding anti-infective drug discovery, enhancing our understanding of infection biology, and accelerating the development of diagnostics. In this Review, we discuss approaches for detecting, treating, and understanding infectious diseases, underscoring the progress supported by AI in each case. We suggest future applications of AI and how it might be harnessed to help control infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Communicable Disease Control*
  • Communicable Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Drug Discovery* / methods
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Public Health

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents