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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Epidemiology of rare bacterial, parasitic, and fungal pathogens in India
Shweta Sharma1,2,3, Varun Krishnaswamy1, Rini Chaturvedi1,4
1Molecular Medicine Division, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Rare human pathogens are infrequently observed clinically but can lead to undiagnosed infections, delays in treatment, severe complications, including death. Traditional diagnostic tools cannot routinely detect rare infections in public health settings. This study focuses on the incidence and outcomes of rare pathogenic microorganisms over 13 years (2010-2022) using PubMed database to obtain epidemiological data on rare bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections in hospitals throughout India. A total of 974 articles were screened using case studies, datasets, comments, classical articles, letters, editorials, observational studies, and meta-analyses. Our analysis identified 28 rare bacteria, six parasites, and five fungal species infections in India. Fatal cases were associated with rare bacterial and fungal infections, including two from pan-drug-resistant bacteria (both from the Myroides genus). A total of 10 bacterial species displayed multi-drug resistance; one was extensively drug-resistant, and eight remained unclassified. Of the 83 patients with these rare infections, the mortality was ∼8.4% (seven of 83). Considering drug resistance and high mortality, prompt diagnosis of rare pathogens is crucial to controlling their spread. An increased awareness within the Indian health care system focusing on diagnostics, record keeping, and data sharing will be necessary to enhance surveillance.
Insights
Rare pathogenic infections in India are a significant concern, with over 8% mortality. Prompt diagnosis and improved surveillance are crucial for managing these rare bacterial, parasitic, and fungal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rare human pathogens cause undiagnosed infections, treatment delays, and severe outcomes.
- Traditional diagnostics struggle to detect rare infections in public health settings.
- Limited epidemiological data exists for rare infections in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and outcomes of rare pathogenic microorganisms in India from 2010-2022.
- To identify specific rare bacterial, parasitic, and fungal species causing infections.
- To analyze mortality rates and drug resistance patterns associated with these infections.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of the PubMed database.
- Screening of 974 articles including case studies, observational studies, and meta-analyses.
- Epidemiological data extraction on rare infections in Indian hospitals.
Main Results:
- Identified 28 rare bacteria, 6 parasites, and 5 fungal species infections in India.
- Observed an overall mortality rate of approximately 8.4% (7/83 patients).
- Fatal cases linked to pan-drug-resistant bacteria (Myroides genus) and fungal infections; 10 bacterial species showed multi-drug resistance.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis of rare pathogens is critical due to high mortality and drug resistance.
- Enhanced surveillance through improved diagnostics, record-keeping, and data sharing is necessary in India.
- Increased healthcare system awareness is vital for controlling the spread of rare infections.
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