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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
06:34
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Globicatella bacteraemia identified by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|March 1, 2006
Summary
Rarely identified Globicatella bacteria caused bloodstream infections (bacteremia) in two elderly patients. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing confirmed the species, highlighting its utility in clinical microbiology.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Globicatella are rarely isolated streptococcus-like organisms.
- Their clinical significance and epidemiology are largely unknown.
Observation:
- Two cases of bloodstream infections (bacteremia) caused by unidentified bacteria were reported.
- Conventional methods failed to identify the bacteria in both cases.
Findings:
- 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing identified the bacteria as Globicatella species.
- One patient with diabetes and sepsis died, while the other with pyelonephritis and septic shock recovered.
Implications:
- Globicatella may be overlooked or misidentified in clinical microbiology.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing is crucial for accurate identification and understanding Globicatella's role in infections.
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