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Nanopore sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid of three patients with cryptococcal meningitis
Ke Jin1, Xiaojuan Wang1, Lingzhi Qin1
1Department of Neurology, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, 7 Weiwu road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
Background:
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) has a high morbidity and mortality due to the low detection of Cryptococcus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the early stage of the disease with traditional methods.
Case Presentation:
In addition to the traditional methods of India ink staining and cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), we used nanopore sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect pathogenic DNA in CSF samples of three patients with CM. The CSF samples of all three patients were positive by India ink staining and CrAg. NGS also detected Cryptococcus in all three CSF samples. Nanopore sequencing detected Cryptococcus in two CSF samples.
Conclusion:
Nanopore sequencing may be useful in assisting with the clinical diagnosis of CM. Further research is needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of nanopore sequencing of CSF.
Insights
Nanopore sequencing shows promise for diagnosing cryptococcal meningitis (CM) early. This advanced technique detected Cryptococcus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, aiding in faster diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) presents significant morbidity and mortality.
- Early detection of Cryptococcus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is challenging with traditional methods like India ink staining and cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) tests.
Observation:
- This study evaluated nanopore sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for detecting pathogenic DNA in CSF samples from three CM patients.
- All CSF samples were positive via India ink staining and CrAg tests.
Findings:
- NGS successfully detected Cryptococcus DNA in all three CSF samples.
- Nanopore sequencing identified Cryptococcus DNA in two out of the three CSF samples.
Implications:
- Nanopore sequencing demonstrates potential as a valuable tool to assist in the early clinical diagnosis of CM.
- Further research is required to establish the sensitivity and specificity of nanopore sequencing for CSF analysis in CM cases.
