# The Role of AI-Based Chatbots in Public Health Emergencies: A Narrative Review
## 3 Artificial Intelligence in Genetics and Genomics
### AI-Based Chatbots in Genomics  
AI-based chatbots are emerging as valuable tools in genomics, offering new ways to provide instant access to complex genomic information for both professionals and the general public. In the genomic context, these chatbots have significant potential in streamlining data interpretation, facilitating patient engagement, and supporting personalized medicine [56]. One of the primary applications of chatbots in genomics is to assist researchers and clinicians in interpreting genetic data. Given the complexity and volume of data generated by genome sequencing technologies, AI-powered chatbots can serve as intermediaries, enabling users to query genomic databases, receive summaries of variant pathogenicity, or retrieve information on gene-disease associations in real time [48]. By integrating with genomic databases such as ClinVar, gnomAD, and Ensembl, these chatbots can provide quick, reliable responses to questions about specific genetic variants, their clinical relevance, or population frequency. Such tools can be especially useful in clinical settings, where genetic counselors or healthcare providers may need to rapidly access information to make informed decisions about patient care [57]. In addition to aiding professionals, AI chatbots can play a transformative role in genetic counseling by interacting directly with patients. The increasing availability of direct-to-consumer genetic testing services, such as 23 andMe ([[https://www.23](https://www.23) andme.com/en-int/]([https://www.23](https://www.23) andme.com/en-int/), accessed on 5 February 2025) and AncestryDNA ([[https://www.ancestry.com](https://www.ancestry.com)]([https://www.ancestry.com](https://www.ancestry.com)), accessed on 5 February 2025), has led to a surge in individuals seeking to understand their genetic information. AI-driven chatbots can act as digital genetic counselors, answering common questions about genetic reports, explaining the implications of certain genetic variants, and even guiding users through the steps they should take after receiving potentially concerning results [58]. For example, a chatbot could explain whether a particular genetic variant is linked to an increased risk of cancer or other inherited conditions and advise the user on follow-up actions, such as consulting with a genetic counselor or undergoing further testing. This democratizes access to genetic insights, particularly for individuals who may not have easy access to professional genetic counseling services. By making genomic information more accessible and understandable, chatbots can help reduce the anxiety and confusion that often accompany the interpretation of personal genetic data. Another area where AI-based chatbots are gaining traction is in supporting personalized medicine by helping patients and healthcare providers interpret genomic data in the context of treatment options. Pharmacogenomics, the study of how genes affect an individual's response to drugs [59], is a key aspect of personalized medicine [60], and AI chatbots can play a crucial role in this field [61]. For example, a chatbot integrated with pharmacogenomic databases could help a physician determine whether a patient's genetic profile suggests a potential adverse reaction to a specific medication or whether they might benefit from a particular drug therapy based on their genetic makeup. This capability could significantly enhance the decision-making process in real-time, providing immediate, personalized recommendations for medication regimens that are tailored to an individual's genetic background. Furthermore, such chatbots could be designed to continually update and refine their knowledge base as new research and clinical trials provide more data, ensuring that patients and healthcare providers are working with the most current information available. Finally, AI-based chatbots also have the potential to address ethical concerns in genomics by promoting informed decision making and consent [62].