Work

Culture-negative liver abscess identified with plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • We report, for the first time, the identification of Streptococcus intermedius in plasma by metagenomic sequencing, the Karius Test, as the etiological organism of pyogenic liver abscesses. • Deep sequencing of plasma may represent a less invasive laboratory diagnostic method for the etiological identification of liver abscesses. • It warrants further investigation whether elevated blood iron levels predispose individuals to an increased risk of developing multiple pyogenic liver abscesses. 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.

Source: Infectious Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2025.100180

Authors: Yuanchao Xue, Filipe M. Cerqueira, Heather L. Stevenson, Natalie Williams-Bouyer, Rong Fang

Institution: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Language: English

Topic: Amoebic Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500