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Enhancing pathogens detection in suspected geriatric bloodstream infections using Nanopore-targeted sequencing
Menghui Zhao1,2, Yan Ouyang3, Junchi Mei1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory,, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Microbiology Spectrum
|November 22, 2024
Summary
Nanopore-targeted sequencing (NTS) offers faster and more sensitive detection of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in elderly patients compared to traditional blood cultures. This advanced method aids in identifying mixed infections and improving patient prognoses.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomic Medicine
Background:
- Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a critical concern in elderly patients, with traditional blood cultures facing limitations like delayed results and false-negatives.
- Nanopore-targeted sequencing (NTS) presents a promising alternative for rapid pathogen detection in BSIs.
- The diagnostic utility of NTS in geriatric BSI patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and consistency of Nanopore-targeted sequencing (NTS) for diagnosing bloodstream infections (BSIs) in elderly patients.
- To compare NTS performance against traditional blood culture methods in this demographic.
- To explore the correlation between NTS findings, patient comorbidities, and clinical prognoses.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study involving 198 geriatric patients with suspected BSIs from January 2022 to January 2024.
- Utilized Nanopore-targeted sequencing (NTS) for pathogen detection and characteristic analysis.
- Compared NTS results with simultaneous blood culture testing for pathogen identification and turnaround time.
Main Results:
- NTS achieved a pathogen detection rate of 61.1%, significantly higher than blood culture (42.2%).
- Common pathogens included *Escherichia coli*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, and *Candida albicans*; mixed and concurrent infections were frequent.
- NTS-positive patients exhibited more comorbidities, elevated inflammatory markers, and worse prognoses.
Conclusions:
- NTS demonstrates superior sensitivity and speed for diagnosing BSIs in the elderly compared to blood culture.
- Elderly patients with BSIs often have complex infections, correlating with poorer outcomes.
- NTS holds potential for improving clinical management and treatment strategies for geriatric BSIs, warranting further research for routine integration.
