Artificial intelligence and infectious disease diagnostics: state of the art and future perspectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming infectious disease diagnostics by enhancing pathogen detection, antimicrobial stewardship, treatment monitoring, and real-time surveillance. It offers major potential in combating antimicrobial resistance through rapid identification and personalised care, while also improving efficiency and scalability of health systems. However, adoption remains uneven: high-income countries face fragmented data and algorithmic bias, while low- and middle-income countries struggle with limited infrastructure and resources, deepening inequities. Broader challenges include data privacy, interoperability, cybersecurity, and regulation. The paper stresses the need for coordinated investment, harmonised data-sharing, and clinician engagement to achieve equitable, sustainable AI integration and strengthen global health resilience.