Evaluating the Diagnostic Utility of 16S Oxford Nanopore Technology Sequencing in Patients With Central Nervous System Infections and Its Usefulness in Antimicrobial Stewardship - Summary - MDSpire

Evaluating the Diagnostic Utility of 16S Oxford Nanopore Technology Sequencing in Patients With Central Nervous System Infections and Its Usefulness in Antimicrobial Stewardship

  • By

  • Do Van Dong

  • Le Thi Kieu Linh

  • Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga

  • Nghiem Xuan Hoan

  • Nguyen Thi Khanh Linh

  • Tran Thi Thanh Huyen

  • Hoang Xuan Quang

  • Tran Thi Lien

  • Van Dinh Trang

  • Vu Viet Sang

  • Peter G Kremsner

  • Le Huu Song

  • Dennis Nurjadi

  • Thirumalaisamy P Velavan

  • May 26, 2025

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To assess the diagnostic efficacy of untargeted 16S Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing compared to conventional CSF culture methods for CNS infections, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Key Findings:
  • 40 (12%) of 329 samples were positive for bacterial or fungal pathogens.
  • 16S ONT detected pathogens in 28 samples (9%), while CSF culture identified pathogens in 23 samples (7%).
  • 16S ONT identified 17 pathogens not detected by CSF culture, including Streptococcus suis and Acinetobacter baumannii.
  • 61% of patients received inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy based on 16S ONT findings.
Interpretation:

16S ONT sequencing demonstrated higher sensitivity and diagnostic yield than CSF culture, aiding in targeted antibiotic use and significantly enhancing antimicrobial stewardship.

Limitations:
  • Retrospective design may introduce bias.
  • Study conducted in a specific geographic region, limiting generalizability.
  • Sample size may not represent the full diversity of pathogens in CNS infections.
Conclusion:

16S ONT sequencing improves diagnostic accuracy and patient management for CNS infections, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Original Source(s)

Evaluating the Diagnostic Utility of 16S Oxford Nanopore Technology Sequencing in Patients With Central Nervous System Infections and Its Usefulness in Antimicrobial Stewardship

  • by Do Van Dong, Le Thi Kieu Linh, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga, Nghiem Xuan Hoan, Nguyen Thi Khanh Linh, Tran Thi Thanh Huyen, Hoang Xuan Quang, Tran Thi Lien, Van Dinh Trang, Vu Viet Sang, Peter G Kremsner, Le Huu Song, Dennis Nurjadi, Thirumalaisamy P Velavan

  • May 26, 2025

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