Advances in Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a change in the pattern of various infectious diseases. Evidence suggests that the same nonpharmaceutical interventions employed to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 likely led to the reduced incidence of influenza in various regions across the globe. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in the reporting of other infectious diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases and other coronavirus infections. Decreased reporting of notifiable infectious diseases and conditions during the pandemic remained a major concern for health authorities. Ascertaining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transmission patterns of other infectious diseases holds significant implications for public health, but this topic has not yet been studied to a greater extent. On the other hand, the scope and relevance of clinical microbiology are appreciated more than ever. Viral structure, transmission, diagnosis, and optimal sterilization and disinfection process were the key elements that clinical microbiologists shared for the betterment of the community throughout the pandemic. This issue underscores various aspects of the advancements in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This Special Issue highlights the need for integrated efforts to control any future outbreak along with parallel management of other infectious diseases.