scholarly journals Case Report: Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing in Diagnosis of Talaromycosis of an Immunocompetent Patient

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiejun Shi ◽  
Naibin Yang ◽  
Guoqing Qian

Background: Talaromycosis is a serious fungal infection which is rare in immunocompetent people. Since its clinical manifestations lack specificity, it is easy to escape diagnosis or be misdiagnosed leading to high mortality and poor prognosis. It is necessary to be alert to the disease when broad-spectrum antibiotics do not work well in immunocompetent patients.Case Presentation: A 79-year-old man was admitted to our Infectious Diseases Department for recurrent fever and cough. Before admission he has been treated with piperacillin-tazobactam, moxifloxacin followed by antituberculous agents in other hospitals while his symptoms were not thoroughly eased. During the first hospitalization in another hospital, he has been ordered a series of examination including radionuclide whole body bone imaging, transbronchial needle aspiration for subcarinal nodes. However, the results were negative showing no neoplasm. After being admitted to our hospital, he underwent various routine examinations. The initial diagnosis was bacterial pneumonia, and he was given meropenem injection and tigecycline injection successively, but there were no improvement of symptoms and inflammatory indicators. In the end, the main pathogen Talaromyces marneffei was confirmed using Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS), and his clinical symptoms gradually relieved after targeted antifungal treatment using voriconazole.Conclusion: When empirical anti-infective treatment is ineffective, it is necessary to consider the possibility of opportunistic fungal infections on immunocompetent patients. mNGS, as a new generation of pathogenic testing methods, can often detect pathogenic bacteria faster than traditional methods, providing important help for clinical decision-making.

Author(s):  
Binglei Zhang ◽  
Jian Zhou ◽  
Ruirui Gui ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Yingling Zu ◽  
...  

Central nervous system (CNS) complications can occur in 9%–15% of patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The clinical manifestations of the CNS complications are non-specific, with most of them being disturbances of consciousness, convulsions, headaches, fever, and epilepsy, making it difficult to infer the cause of the complications based on clinical manifestations. We retrospectively analyzed the sensitivity and feasibility of metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) in the diagnosis of CNS infections after allo-HSCT. Lumbar punctures were performed on 20 patients with CNS symptoms after receiving alternative donor HSCT(AD-HSCT) at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2019 to December 2020, and their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected. The mNGS technique was used to detect pathogens in the CSF. Routine CSF testing, biochemical analyses, G experiments, GM experiments, ink staining, acid-fast staining, and bacterial cultures were carried out, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) tests were used to detect cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), and human alphaherpesvirus (HHV). A total of 29 tests were performed with 21 of them being positive. Of the five negative patients, three were diagnosed with a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, one as having transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, and one with transient seizure caused by hypertension. Fifteen patients tested positive, of which four had single infections and eleven had mixed infections. Five cases of fungal infections, six cases of bacterial infections, and 13 cases of viral infections were detected. Among the 13 cases of viral infections, ten cases were CMV(HHV-5); three were BKPyV; two were Torque teno virus (TTV); Two were HHV-1,two were EBV(HHV4), and one each of HpyV5 and HHV-6B. Thirteen patients tested positive for virus while the qPCR detection method of 6 identical specimens were below the minimum detection limit(<1×103 U/ml). The mNGS technique is highly sensitive, and it can be used to diagnose CNS infections after allo-HSCT.


Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 344-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Papa ◽  
Marta Rusmini ◽  
Stefano Volpi ◽  
Roberta Caorsi ◽  
Paolo Picco ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The number of innate immune system disorders classified as systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAID) has increased in recent years. More than 70% of patients with clinical manifestations of SAID did not receive a molecular diagnosis, thus being classed as so-called undifferentiated or undefined SAID (uSAID). The aim of the present study was to evaluate a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based clinically oriented protocol in patients with uSAID. Methods We designed a NGS panel that included 41 genes clustered in seven subpanels. Patients with uSAID were classified into different groups according to their clinical features and sequenced for the coding portions of the 41 genes. Results Fifty patients were enrolled in the study. Thirty-four patients (72%) displayed recurrent fevers not consistent with a PFAPA phenotype. Sixteen patients displayed a chronic inflammatory disease course. A total of 100 gene variants were found (mean 2 per patient; range 0–6), a quarter of which affected suspected genes. Mutations with a definitive diagnostic impact were detected in two patients. Patients with genetically negative recurrent fevers displayed a prevalent gastrointestinal, skin and articular involvement. Patients responded to steroids on demands (94%) and colchicine, with a response rate of 78%. Conclusion Even with a low molecular diagnostic rate, a NGS-based approach is able to provide a final diagnosis in a proportion of uSAID patients with evident cost-effectiveness. It also allows the identification of a subgroup of genetically negative patients with recurrent fever responding to steroid on demand and colchicine.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaling Zhang ◽  
Huan Xu ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
Juan Kang ◽  
Hairu Chen ◽  
...  

The clinical manifestations of fascioliasis hepatica in humans are unspecific. Traditional diagnosis relies on evidence of live parasites or eggs in the bile or feces. However, due to similar imaging manifestations, they are often misdiagnosed as malignant tumors. Here, we report a case of a 43-year-old woman with fever and space-occupying liver disease. Liver biopsy, parasite-specific antibody screening, and stool testing did not find any pathogens. Therefore, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and routine microbiological examinations were performed. Finally, Fasciola hepatica was only identified by mNGS. The body temperature of the patient and the eosinophil count remained normal, and the space-occupying liver lesions were significantly absorbed after more than 7 months of treatment with albendazole. The details of this case highlight the timely use of mNGS to identify parasites and judge therapeutic effects after treatment, providing important help for clinical decision-making.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
He Zhu ◽  
Min Zhu ◽  
Jia-Hui Lei ◽  
Ya-Li Xiao ◽  
Li-Min Zhao

Non-tuberculou Mycobacteria (NTM) is ubiquitous in the environment and is conditional pathogen. Due to NTM and Mycobacterium tuberculosis belong to the genus Mycobacterium, their pathogenic mechanisms and clinical manifestations are similar. Therefore, NTM can cause tuberculosis-like lesions and lead to misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve prognosis. However, traditional pathogenic microorganism detection has limitations, and it is difficult to accurately identify strains in clinical practice. Here, we report a 65-year-old man with NTM who presented with recurrent fever and cough. Computed tomography of the chest revealed a lung infection. The previous improper diagnosis and treatment did not improve his condition. With the aid of metagenomic next-generation sequencing, the pathogen was identified as Mycobacterium avium complex. Subsequently, he received accurate treatment and made significant improvements in clinical and radiology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. e0009779
Author(s):  
Fakhriddin Sarzhanov ◽  
Funda Dogruman-Al ◽  
Monica Santin ◽  
Jenny G. Maloney ◽  
Ayse Semra Gureser ◽  
...  

Introduction The clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is a controversial issue. Since the pathogenicity of these protists has not been fully elucidated, testing for these organisms is not routinely pursued by most laboratories and clinicians. Thus, the prevalence of these organisms and the subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in human patients in Turkey are not well characterized. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in the diarrheic stool samples of immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients using conventional and molecular methods and to identify Blastocystis sp. subtypes using next generation sequencing. Material and methods Individual stool specimens were collected from 245 immunodeficient and 193 immunocompetent diarrheic patients between March 2017 and December 2019 at the Gazi University Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Samples were screened for Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis by conventional and molecular methods. Molecular detection of both protists was achieved by separate qPCRs targeting a partial fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. Next generation sequencing was used to identify Blastocystis sp. subtypes. Results The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was 16.7% and 11.9%, respectively as measured by qPCR. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was lower in immunodeficient patients (12.7% and 10.6%, respectively) compared to immunocompetent patients (21.8% and 13.5%, respectively). Five Blastocystis sp. subtypes were identified and the following subtype distribution was observed: ST3 54.4% (n = 37), ST2 16.2% (n = 11), ST1 4.4% (n = 3), ST6 2.9% (n = 2), ST4 1.5% (n = 1), ST2/ST3 11.8% (n = 8) and ST1/ST3 8.8% (n = 6). There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of Blastocystis sp. subtypes between immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients. Conclusion and recommendation Our findings demonstrated that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commonly present in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients with diarrhea. This study is the first to use next generation sequencing to address the presence of Blastocystis sp. mixed subtypes and intra-subtype variability in clinical samples in Turkey.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi-Wei Lan ◽  
Min-Jia Xiao ◽  
Yuan-lin Guan ◽  
Ya-Jing Zhan ◽  
Xiang-Qi Tang

Abstract Background Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen which can invade different mammalian cells and reach to the central nervous system (CNS), leading to meningoencephalitis and brain abscesses. In the diagnosis of L. monocytogenes meningoencephalitis (LMM), the traditional test often reports negative owing to the antibiotic treatment or a low number of bacteria in the cerebrospinal fluid. To date, timely diagnosis and accurate treatment remains a challenge for patients with listeria infections. Case presentation We present the case of a 66-year-old woman whose clinical manifestations were suspected as tuberculous meningoencephalitis, but the case was finally properly diagnosed as LMM by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The patient was successfully treated using a combined antibacterial therapy, comprising ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion To improve the sensitivity of LMM diagnosis, we used NGS for the detection of L. monocytogenes. Hence, the clinical utility of this approach can be very helpful since it provides quickly and trust results.


Author(s):  
Yinan Yang ◽  
Xiaobin Hu ◽  
Li Min ◽  
Xiangyu Dong ◽  
Yuanlin Guan

Abstract Background Encephalitis is caused by infection, immune mediated diseases, or primary inflammatory diseases. Of all the causative infectious pathogens, 90% are viruses or bacteria. Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris, is a rare but life-threatening disease. Diagnosis and therapy are frequently delayed due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations. Method A healthy 2 year old Chinese male patient initially presented with a nearly 2 month history of irregular fever. We present this case of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis caused by B. mandrillaris. Next generation sequencing of the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was performed to identify an infectious agent. Result The results of next generation sequencing of the CSF showed that most of the mapped reads belonged to Balamuthia mandrillaris. Conclusion Next generation sequencing (NGS) is an unbiased and rapid diagnostic tool. The NGS method can be used for the rapid identification of causative pathogens. The NGS method should be widely applied in clinical practice and help clinicians provide direction for the diagnosis of diseases, especially for rare and difficult cases.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyan Qu ◽  
Zhiyong Zong

Abstract Background Disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection is rarely described in immunocompetent individuals and can lead to fatal outcomes if not recognized and diagnosed early. Non-specific clinical manifestations, such as pneumonia and gastroenteritis, pose a diagnostic dilemma. Case presentation: We report a case of a 67-year-old Chinese male who presented with two months of abdominal pain, fever, headache, vomiting, constipation, and slight cough with sputum. He had been in good health and had no history of glucocorticoid use. He was diagnosed with enterococcal meningitis and intestinal obstruction at a local hospital and improved after treatment with vancomycin, but symptoms of headache and abdominal pain soon recurred. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of the cerebrospinal fluid using Illumina X10 sequencer revealed 7 sequence reads matching Strongyloides stercoralis. Disseminated strongyloidiasis was suspected. Next, microscopic examination of gastric fluid revealed Larvae of S. stercoralis. DNA extracted of larvae, the presence of both S. stercoralis ribosomal DNA gene and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene was identified. Disseminated strongyloidiasis was diagnosed. Albendazole (400 mg, twice daily) was used and the patient recovered gradually. Conclusions S. stercoralis hyperinfection can occur in immunocompetent individuals, imposing challenges for diagnosis. mNGS may be a useful tool for detecting rare infectious disease. The case would help clinicians to raise awareness of strongyloidiasis in non-endemic areas and reduce fatality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanyu Qin ◽  
Jinmin Peng ◽  
Ling Liu ◽  
Jing Wu ◽  
Lingai Pan ◽  
...  

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) using adequate criteria for the detection of pathogens in lower respiratory tract (LRT) samples with a paired comparison to conventional microbiology tests (CMT).Methods: One hundred sixty-seven patients were reviewed from four different intensive care units (ICUs) in mainland China during 2018 with both mNGS and CMT results of LRT samples available. The reads per million ratio (RPMsample/RPMnon−template−control ratio) and standardized strictly mapped reads number (SDSMRN) were the two criteria chosen for identifying positive pathogens reported from mNGS. A McNemar test was used for a paired comparison analysis between mNGS and CMT.Results: One hundred forty-nine cases were counted into the final analysis. The RPMsample/RPMNTC ratio criterion performed better with a higher accuracy for bacteria, fungi, and virus than SDSMRN criterion [bacteria (RPMsample/RPMNTC ratio vs. SDSMRN), 65.1 vs. 55.7%; fungi, 75.8 vs. 71.1%; DNA virus, 86.3 vs. 74.5%; RNA virus, 90.9 vs. 81.8%]. The mNGS was also superior in bacteria detection only if an SDSMRN ≥3 was used as a positive criterion with a paired comparison to culture [SDSMRN positive, 92/149 (61.7%); culture positive, 54/149 (36.2%); p < 0.001]; however, it was outperformed with significantly more fungi and DNA virus identification when choosing both criteria for positive outliers [fungi (RPMsample/RPMNTC ratio vs. SDSMRN vs. culture), 23.5 vs. 29.5 vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001; DNA virus (RPMsample/RPMNTC ratio vs. SDSMRN vs. PCR), 14.1 vs. 20.8 vs. 11.8%, p < 0.05].Conclusions: Metagenomic next generation sequencing may contribute to revealing the LRT infection etiology in hospitalized groups of potential fungal infections and in situations with less access to the multiplex PCR of LRT samples from the laboratory by choosing a wise criterion like the RPMsample/RPMNTC ratio.


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