Metagenomic analysis of pathogenic microorganisms in bloodstream infections following venomous snakebites

This study aimed to investigate the biometric characterization of pathogenic microorganisms associated with bloodstream infections in patients bitten by venomous snakes, and to determine whether the composition of these microorganisms influences the effects of snake venom.

The composition and relative abundance of microorganisms were statistically analyzed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) on blood samples from patients with varying degrees of snakebite injuries. These patients were admitted to the our study.

In the light injury group (group L), the dominant phylum and genus were Pseudomonadota (73.31%) and Pseudomonas (35.32%). In the moderate injury group (group M), the predominant phylum was Bacillota (56.74%) and Aerococcus (45.45%). There was no statistically significant difference in the microbial composition between group L and group M based on α- and β-diversity analyses. LEfSe differential analysis revealed that the absolute abundances of Actinomycetota and Actinomycetes were higher in group L, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa emerged as a significantly differential species in Group M.

The study found that differences in bacterial bloodstream infections due to venomous snakebite may enhance the effects of snake venom, leading to more severe injuries. The mNGS technique can rapidly detect pathogens related to venomous snakebites and has the potential for broader clinical use.