What Are the Challenges Associated with GenBank in Epidemiology?
While GenBank is a valuable resource, there are several challenges associated with its use in epidemiology:
Data Quality: The accuracy and completeness of the submitted sequences can vary, affecting the reliability of downstream analyses. Data Overload: The sheer volume of data can be overwhelming, making it challenging to extract meaningful insights without advanced bioinformatics tools. Privacy Concerns: Sharing genetic data must be balanced with the need to protect patient privacy and comply with ethical guidelines. Timeliness: Delays in data submission can hinder real-time surveillance and outbreak response efforts.
