How do you integrate next-generation sequencing with traditional culture methods to improve the identification of fungal pathogens, especially in cases where routine cultures are negative when evaluating suspected prosthetic joint infections?

To my knowledge, there is no evidence that molecular studies improve the detection of fungal pathogens in periprosthetic joint infections. The vast majority of fungal PJIs are caused by Candida species, while mold infections are rare and typically diagnosed through fungal cultures. If a PJI remains ...

While with any assay, false + results may occur, the use of both NGS and 18S rRNA can be useful in diagnosing fungal infections of various sites. Traditional cultures can be negative for a variety of reasons. Even when organisms are seen on microscopy, speciation based on appearance is notoriously i...