Biosensor Applications for Viral and Bacterial Disease Diagnosis

Disease diagnosis at an early stage is primarily important for its control, prevention, and eradication. Biosensors play an important role in the early and accurate diagnosis of different kinds of diseases; they are faster and cheaper than the conventional diagnostic tools and methods. Viral infections are of two types, acute and chronic. Both of them can be fatal if not diagnosed and cured at an early stage. This chapter gives an insight into the biosensors that are being used or can be used for the detection of deadly diseases such as dengue, zika virus infection, yellow fever, typhoid fever, hepatitis B and C, and tuberculosis. Dengue and zika virus infections are arthropod-borne diseases, whereas the others spread because of the unhygienic practices. All these diseases cause the deaths of millions of people around the globe. Nanotechnology is playing an important role in the fabrication of novel biosensors for eradication of the main problems in the way of diagnosis such as high cost, critical timing, lack of laboratory setup, and expert personnels in remote and developing areas. There is no doubt that biosensors have potential to modify the face of diagnostic/detection area with the aid of growing effective and reliable devices. Already existing biosensing technologies may be remodeled to expand the detection sphere especially in aid limited regions.