Identifying a Fish Tapeworm Infection Using Nanopore Sequencing
Author Information
Author(s): Tsang Hin-Fung, Leung Stanley W.M., Hung Tin-Nok, Law Icy, Lam Ka-Wai, Chan Loiston, Wong Sze-Chuen Cesar
Primary Institution: Department of Clinical Laboratory and Pathology, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
Hypothesis
Can Nanopore sequencing accurately identify Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiense infections?
Conclusion
Nanopore sequencing was successfully used to identify a case of Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiense infection in a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- A curvilinear opacity was seen in the patient's abdomen via X-ray.
- An 80 cm long strobila of the tapeworm was found in the patient's feces.
- Nanopore sequencing provided accurate species identification of the parasite.
Takeaway
A woman had a fish tapeworm infection, and doctors used a special DNA test to find out what kind of tapeworm it was.
Methodology
The case was diagnosed using Nanopore sequencing to identify the parasite from fecal samples.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 40-year-old woman from Hong Kong.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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