In vitro testing is utilized in epidemiology for various purposes. One of the primary applications is in the initial screening of pathogens to understand their mechanism of infection and to identify potential targets for intervention. For instance, in vitro studies can reveal how a virus enters and replicates within host cells. Additionally, in vitro testing is used to study the drug resistance patterns of pathogens, which is essential for developing effective treatment protocols. These tests also help in evaluating the immunogenicity of vaccines, ensuring they elicit an appropriate immune response.