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BacteriologyEvaluation of the ResistancePlus MG FleXible Assay for Detection of Wild-Type and 23S rRNA-Mutated Mycoplasma genitalium StrainsAntibiotic resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium is rising globally, and resistance-guided diagnostics can facilitate targeted and timely treatment. The ResistancePlus MG FleXible (RPMG Flex) assay for the detection of M. genitalium and macrolide resistance-mediating mutations (MRMM) was evaluated for...
Photo QuizAnswer to March 2020 Photo Quiz
CommentaryThe Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing: Background, Organization, Functions, and ProcessesThe Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST SC) is a volunteer-led, multidisciplinary consensus body that develops and publishes standards and guidelines (among other products) for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods and results interpretation in the United States and internationally. The Subcommittee (SC) meets face-to-face twice yearly, and its working...
BacteriologyOptimizing DNA Extraction Methods for Nanopore Sequencing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Directly from Urine SamplesEmpirical gonorrhea treatment at initial diagnosis reduces onward transmission. However, increasing resistance to multiple antibiotics may necessitate waiting for culture-based diagnostics to select an effective treatment. There is a need for same-day culture-free diagnostics that identify infection and detect antimicrobial resistance. We investigated if Nanopore sequencing can detect sufficient...
EpidemiologyPredictors of Clostridioides difficile Infection-Related Complications and Treatment Patterns among Nucleic Acid Amplification Test-Positive/Toxin Enzyme Immunoassay-Negative PatientsThe addition of toxin enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to nucleic acid amplification tests, including PCR, creates challenges in the diagnosis and management of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). There are limited data in large cohorts, with discordant results, that is, PCR-positive/EIA-negative (PCR+/EIA−) results. We conducted a retrospective...
Point-CounterpointPoint-Counterpoint: Should We Be Performing Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Infectious Disease Diagnosis in the Clinical Laboratory?Point-Counterpoint: Should We Be Performing Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Infectious Disease Diagnosis in the Clinical Laboratory?Point-Counterpoint: Should We Be Performing Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Infectious Disease Diagnosis in the Clinical Laboratory?Point-Counterpoint: Should We Be Performing Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Infectious Disease Diagnosis in the Clinical Laboratory?With established applications of next-generation sequencing in inherited diseases and oncology, clinical laboratories are evaluating the use of metagenomics for identification of infectious agents directly from patient samples, to aid in the diagnosis of infections. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for infectious diseases promises an unbiased approach to detection of microbes that does not depend on growth in culture or the...
BacteriologyPerformance of the QIAstat-Dx Gastrointestinal Panel for Diagnosing Infectious GastroenteritisDetection and identification of enteropathogens that cause infectious gastroenteritis are essential steps for appropriate patient treatment and effective isolation precautions. Several syndrome-based tests have recently become available, with the gastrointestinal panel (GIP) assay on the QIAstat-Dx as the most recent addition to the syndromic testing landscape.
BacteriologyValidation of a New Rapid Detection Test for Detection of Neisseria meningitidis A/C/W/X/Y Antigens in Cerebrospinal FluidMeningococcal meningitis remains a life-threatening disease worldwide, with high prevalence in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt. A rapid diagnosis is crucial for implementing adapted antimicrobial treatment. We describe the performances of a new immunochromatographic test (MeningoSpeed, BioSpeedia, France) for detecting and grouping Neisseria meningitidis....
