GENETIC TESTING AND MOLECULAR BIOMARKERS Volume 19, Number 5, 2015 ª Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. P. 225 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2015.28999.gde
EDITORIAL
Expanding the Scope of our Journal to Include Molecular Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases Garth D. Ehrlich
I
am pleased to announce, effective immediately, that Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers will be expanding its remit to publish original research papers on the genetic testing of microorganisms associated with human disease, and the development of molecular biomarkers of infection. Biomarkers will include molecular species produced by either the host or pathogen that are diagnostic of a specific infection. Pathogens can include species from any of the kingdoms of life, including eubacteria, fungi, single-celled eukaryotic parasites, and metazoans, as well as any of the viral classes. This decision to broaden our publication base was made jointly with the Publisher, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., and represents an exciting new aspect of this Journal. Our editorial policy will remain the same for all submissions in that a clinical evaluation showing statistical significance of all assays described must be included. The addition of supporting laboratory-based studies is encouraged in all submissions to help define the analytical sensitivities and specificities, but studies limited only to in vitro testing will not be considered for publication, as this Journal is primarily a forum for the dissemination of clinically valid diagnostic targets and methods. In particular, we are especially interested in studies examining the interface of human genetics and the susceptibility to specific infectious agents. Therefore, we encourage our authors and readership to examine the relationships among human genetic markers and the likelihood/severity of disease following exposure/infection to various classes of pathogens. Such studies can be pathogen species–specific or can look at higher taxonomic groups. I look forward to growing Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers, not only with respect to scientific domain coverage, but also with respect to its readership and impact. To accomplish these goals we must work diligently together as a community of like-minded scientists to elevate a good Journal to a great one.
Center for Genomic Sciences and Center for Advanced Microbial Processing, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
225
EDITORIAL
Expanding the Scope of our Journal to Include Molecular Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases Garth D. Ehrlich
I
am pleased to announce, effective immediately, that Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers will be expanding its remit to publish original research papers on the genetic testing of microorganisms associated with human disease, and the development of molecular biomarkers of infection. Biomarkers will include molecular species produced by either the host or pathogen that are diagnostic of a specific infection. Pathogens can include species from any of the kingdoms of life, including eubacteria, fungi, single-celled eukaryotic parasites, and metazoans, as well as any of the viral classes. This decision to broaden our publication base was made jointly with the Publisher, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., and represents an exciting new aspect of this Journal. Our editorial policy will remain the same for all submissions in that a clinical evaluation showing statistical significance of all assays described must be included. The addition of supporting laboratory-based studies is encouraged in all submissions to help define the analytical sensitivities and specificities, but studies limited only to in vitro testing will not be considered for publication, as this Journal is primarily a forum for the dissemination of clinically valid diagnostic targets and methods. In particular, we are especially interested in studies examining the interface of human genetics and the susceptibility to specific infectious agents. Therefore, we encourage our authors and readership to examine the relationships among human genetic markers and the likelihood/severity of disease following exposure/infection to various classes of pathogens. Such studies can be pathogen species–specific or can look at higher taxonomic groups. I look forward to growing Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers, not only with respect to scientific domain coverage, but also with respect to its readership and impact. To accomplish these goals we must work diligently together as a community of like-minded scientists to elevate a good Journal to a great one.
Center for Genomic Sciences and Center for Advanced Microbial Processing, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
225
