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Culture-negative liver abscess identified with plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing: A case report
Yuanchao Xue1, Filipe M Cerqueira1, Heather L Stevenson1
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
Abstract:
Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a potentially life-threatening disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to ensure high-quality healthcare for patients with PLA. However, this is complicated by their non-specific clinical symptoms. In addition, the etiologic organisms responsible for PLA are frequently culture-negative, thus complicating clinical decision-making. Here, we report a case of PLA caused by Streptococcus intermedius, as identified via DNA metagenomic sequencing of plasma.
Insights
Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a serious condition often diagnosed late due to vague symptoms and negative cultures. DNA sequencing of plasma successfully identified *Streptococcus intermedius* as the cause in a challenging PLA case.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) presents significant diagnostic challenges due to non-specific clinical manifestations.
- Culture-negative results for etiologic organisms in PLA complicate timely and accurate clinical decision-making.
- Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are vital for managing this life-threatening condition.
