Enrichment of Microbial DNA in Plasma to Improve Pathogen Detection in Sepsis: A Pilot Study.

Background: Diagnosis of sepsis and timely identification of pathogens in critically ill patients remains challenging. Plasma metagenomic sequencing to detect microbial cell-free DNA (mDNA) has shown promise, but low abundance of mDNA in plasma limits sensitivity and necessitates high sequencing depth. mDNA is shorter and more fragmented than human cell-free DNA.

Genetically inducible and reversible zebrafish model of systemic inflammation.

The inflammatory response is a vital defense mechanism against trauma and pathogen induced damage, but equally important is its appropriate resolution. In some instances of severe trauma or sustained infection, inappropriate and persistent activation of the immune response can occur, resulting in a dangerous systemic inflammatory response. Untreated, this systemic inflammatory response can lead to tissue damage, organ shutdown, and death.