DNA sequencing identifies fungal bloodstream infections before cultures turn positive
Bloodstream infections are a persistent threat to hospitalized patients, and those caused by fungi are particularly dangerous. Candida species are responsible for most invasive fungal infections worldwide and rank among the leading causes of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections overall. Because different fungal species can respond differently to antifungal drugs, doctors strive to correctly…
Fungal bloodstream infections pose a significant risk to hospitalized patients, with Candida species being a major cause. Current diagnosis methods using blood cultures and subsequent identification tests can take several days, during which patients may receive broad-spectrum antifungal treatments or delayed more targeted therapies.
To improve rapid identification, a research team led by Professor Hiroki Takahashi from Chiba University developed a workflow that combines selective cell breakdown, PCR-based whole-genome amplification, and nanopore sequencing. This method, published in Microbiology Spectrum, can identify fungal pathogens within approximately seven hours, even before conventional cultures turn positive.
By analyzing the full genome of the pathogen, the workflow can also detect drug resistance genes. Tests on 48 clinical samples identified eight fungal species, including mixed infections. While the method shows promise in enabling earlier treatment initiation, further optimization is needed for sample timing and handling heavy bacterial growth.
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