PCR is a powerful tool for disease surveillance, enabling the rapid identification of emerging pathogens and monitoring the spread of infectious diseases. By analyzing samples from various sourcesâsuch as patients, animals, and environmental reservoirsâepidemiologists can track the transmission dynamics and genetic evolution of pathogens. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, PCR was instrumental in identifying and tracking different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, providing critical information for public health responses.
