Detection of invasive infections with next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA.

We report 9 patients with invasive infections, including 5 with endocarditis, who were diagnosed with microbial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing and serology studies. Diagnosis with plasma mcfDNA NGS enabled a faster clinical and laboratory diagnosis in 8 patients. Prompt diagnosis impacted antibiotic management in all 9 patients.

Reviewing a Decade of Outpatient Tropical Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Tropical diseases cause significant morbidity among the world's poorest populations. Although more common in low- and middle-income countries, tropical diseases are also found among underserved populations living in high-income countries such as the United States. The National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and the Harris Health System founded a tropical medicine clinic-the Harris Health Tropical Medicine Clinic (HHTMC)-in Houston in 2011 in response to tropical disease-related morbidity in Texas.

Characteristics of Infections Detected with Next-Generation Sequencing of Microbial Cell-Free Deoxyribonucleic Acid in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

We present 10 patients with infection in whom next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (mcfDNA) was used as a diagnostic tool. mcfDNA was detected in all cases and was more rapid and specific than rickettsial serology. mcfDNA impacted antibiotic management in 50% of patients.

Erratum to: Clinical Features and Outcomes of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Caused by .

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa622.].

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Caused by Influenza.

Background: Long regarded as the second most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), has recently been identified with almost equal frequency as pneumococcus in patients hospitalized for CAP. The literature lacks a detailed description of the presentation, clinical features, laboratory and radiologic findings, and outcomes in pneumonia.

Methods: During 2 prospective studies of patients hospitalized for CAP, we identified 33 patients with pneumonia.

Successful Detection of Unrecognized in Pregnancy Using Cell-Free Next-Generation Sequencing.

Flea-borne (murine) typhus is caused by . Infection in pregnant women can lead to adverse outcomes when diagnosis and treatment is delayed. We describe how next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the Karius® test was used to rapidly diagnose murine typhus in two pregnant women admitted to a large tertiary care center in Houston, Texas, when all initial testing was nondiagnostic.