Metagenomic Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections
2008

Metagenomic Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections

Sample size: 3 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nakamura Shota, Maeda Norihiro, Miron Ionut Mihai, Yoh Myonsun, Izutsu Kaori, Kataoka Chidoh, Honda Takeshi, Yasunaga Teruo, Nakaya Takaaki, Kawai Jun, Hayashizaki Yoshihide, Horii Toshihiro, Iida Tetsuya

Primary Institution: Osaka University, Suita, Japan

Hypothesis

To test the ability of high-throughput DNA sequencing to detect bacterial pathogens.

Conclusion

The study successfully detected a bacterial pathogen in a patient sample using high-throughput DNA sequencing.

Supporting Evidence

  • High-throughput DNA sequencing detected Campylobacter jejuni in the illness sample but not in the recovery sample.
  • The method can identify various bacterial pathogens that are difficult to detect with conventional methods.
  • The study suggests that this approach could be applied to other clinical samples beyond feces.

Takeaway

Scientists used a special DNA test to find germs in a sick person's poop, which helps them know what made him sick.

Methodology

High-throughput DNA sequencing was used to analyze fecal samples from a patient during and after illness.

Limitations

The current cost for high-throughput sequencing may limit its use to specialized purposes.

Participant Demographics

A 34-year-old man and two family members who ate undercooked chicken.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1411.080589

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