Bacterial ribosomal RNA detection in cerebrospinal fluid using a viromics approach

Abstract

Key points We demonstrate that an unmodified viromic next-generation sequencing methodology effectively detects bacterial pathogen ribosomal RNA in cerebrospinal fluid samples. Sensitivity and specificity displayed pathogen dependent variation. Our finding in principle offers avenues for simultaneous detection of neuropathogenic viruses and bacteria.

Keywords

• Bacterial meningitis
• Pathogen detection
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Viromics
• Metagenomics