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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Globicatella sanguinis bacteraemia identified by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Rawaa Jalil Abdul-Redha1, Ulla Balslew, Jens Jørgen Christensen
1National Reference Laboratory for identification of bacteria at Department of Bacteriology, Mycology and Parasitology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark. rawaadk@yahoo.dk
Globicatella sanguinis, a rare gram-positive coccus, was identified in human blood cultures using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This highlights the importance of molecular diagnostics for identifying emerging opportunistic pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Globicatella sanguinis is a gram-positive coccus rarely isolated from human infections.
- Accurate identification of bacteria is crucial for effective patient treatment.
Observation:
- Three clinical isolates from blood cultures were initially unidentifiable by standard biochemical methods (Rapid 32 ID Strep).
- These isolates resembled non-haemolytic streptococci.
Findings:
- Partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene successfully identified the bacteria as Globicatella sanguinis.
- Supplementary biochemical tests confirmed the species identification.
Implications:
- This case underscores the challenges in identifying newly recognized opportunistic pathogens.
- Advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, such as 16S rRNA sequencing, are essential for accurate bacterial identification.
- Improved diagnostics facilitate timely and appropriate clinical management of rare infections.
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