Encephalitis diagnosis using metagenomics: application of next generation sequencing for undiagnosed cases.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Current estimates suggest that even in the most resourced settings, the aetiology of encephalitis is identified in less than half of clinical cases. It is acknowledged that filling this gap needs a combination of rigorous sampling and improved diagnostic technologies. Next generation sequencing (NGS) methods are powerful tools with the potential for comprehensive and unbiased detection of pathogens in clinical samples. We reviewed the use of this new technology for the diagnosis of suspected infectious encephalitis, and discuss the feasibility for introduction of NGS methods as a frontline diagnostic test. METHODS:A systematic literature review was performed, using MESH and text word searches for variants of "sequencing" and "encephalitis" in Medline and EMbase, and searching bi

SUBMITTER: Brown JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7112567 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature