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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Pyrosequencing for Microbial Identification and Characterization
Published on: August 22, 2013
Rapid species determination of Nocardia keratitis using pyrosequencing technology
Anat Galor1, Gerri S Hall, Gary W Procop
1Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Purpose:
To describe a new technique, pyrosequencing, which allows for the rapid identification of Mycobacterium and Nocardia species.
Design:
Interventional case report.
Methods:
The medical records of a patient presenting with an infectious keratitis were reviewed.
Results:
A case of Nocardia abscessus/arthrititis/asiatica keratitis was diagnosed in a young individual with the aid of pyrosequencing technology. Based on presumed antibiotic sensitivities, therapy with topical trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole eyedrops was initiated, and the infection was cleared rapidly with minimal residual scarring.
Conclusions:
Pyrosequencing may be a useful tool in aiding the rapid diagnosis and treatment of ocular infections caused by slow-growing pathogens.
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