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Updated: Sep 9, 2025
06:34
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
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Next-generation sequencing improves pathogen identification in odontogenic abscesses, could this affect clinical
Felix Benjamin Warwas1, Felix Thol2, Martin A Sieber3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center of the University Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, Building 11, 2. OG, 53127, Bonn, Germany. Fbwarwas@icloud.com.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|September 2, 2025
Summary
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) significantly improves the identification of bacteria, fungi, and antibiotic resistances in odontogenic abscesses compared to traditional methods. This advanced diagnostic approach aids in faster, targeted antimicrobial therapy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Odontogenic abscesses are complex infections often involving polymicrobial communities.
- Conventional diagnostic methods may have limitations in detecting all causative microorganisms and their antibiotic resistance profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic performance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) with conventional culture and microscopy for identifying microorganisms and antibiotic resistances in odontogenic abscesses.
- To analyze the impact of clinical factors, including prior antibiotic exposure, on length of stay (LOS).
Main Methods:
- Intraoperative microbiological swabs were collected from patients undergoing incision and drainage of odontogenic abscesses.
- Samples were analyzed using both NGS and conventional microbiological techniques.
- Microbial profiles, resistance patterns, and clinical data were assessed and correlated.
Main Results:
- NGS identified bacteria in 100% of samples, significantly higher than conventional methods (68.1%).
- NGS detected a greater diversity of bacteria, particularly anaerobes (median 7 vs. 0), and also identified fungi and antibiotic resistances more frequently.
- Prior antibiotic therapy was associated with a reduced length of stay.
Conclusions:
- NGS offers a superior diagnostic approach for odontogenic abscesses, enhancing the detection of polymicrobial infections.
- This comprehensive pathogen and resistance profiling supports the rapid implementation of tailored antimicrobial treatments.
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