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Su LD, Chiu CY, Gaston D, Hogan CA, Miller S, Simon DW, Thakur KT, Yang S, Piantadosi A. Clinical Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Infections: Advances and Challenges. Mol Diagn Ther 2024:10.1007/s40291-024-00727-9. [PMID: 38992308 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) infections carry a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and accurate and timely diagnosis is required to optimize management. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has proven to be a valuable tool in detecting pathogens in patients with suspected CNS infection. By sequencing microbial nucleic acids present in a patient's cerebrospinal fluid, brain tissue, or samples collected outside of the CNS, such as plasma, mNGS can detect a wide range of pathogens, including rare, unexpected, and/or fastidious organisms. Furthermore, its target-agnostic approach allows for the identification of both known and novel pathogens. This is particularly useful in cases where conventional diagnostic methods fail to provide an answer. In addition, mNGS can detect multiple microorganisms simultaneously, which is crucial in cases of mixed infections without a clear predominant pathogen. Overall, clinical mNGS testing can help expedite the diagnostic process for CNS infections, guide appropriate management decisions, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes. However, there are key challenges surrounding its use that need to be considered to fully leverage its clinical impact. For example, only a few specialized laboratories offer clinical mNGS due to the complexity of both the laboratory methods and analysis pipelines. Clinicians interpreting mNGS results must be aware of both false negatives-as mNGS is a direct detection modality and requires a sufficient amount of microbial nucleic acid to be present in the sample tested-and false positives-as mNGS detects environmental microbes and their nucleic acids, despite best practices to minimize contamination. Additionally, current costs and turnaround times limit broader implementation of clinical mNGS. Finally, there is uncertainty regarding the best practices for clinical utilization of mNGS, and further work is needed to define the optimal patient population(s), syndrome(s), and time of testing to implement clinical mNGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- LingHui David Su
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Charles Y Chiu
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Gaston
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Catherine A Hogan
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steve Miller
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA
- Delve Bio, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dennis W Simon
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kiran T Thakur
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shangxin Yang
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anne Piantadosi
- The Consortium for Clinical Metagenomics in Infectious Diseases, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Korshoj LE, Shi W, Duan B, Kielian T. The Prospect of Nanoparticle Systems for Modulating Immune Cell Polarization During Central Nervous System Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670931. [PMID: 34248952 PMCID: PMC8260670 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) selectively restricts the entry of molecules from peripheral circulation into the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma. Despite this protective barrier, bacteria and other pathogens can still invade the CNS, often as a consequence of immune deficiencies or complications following neurosurgical procedures. These infections are difficult to treat since many bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, encode a repertoire of virulence factors, can acquire antibiotic resistance, and form biofilm. Additionally, pathogens can leverage virulence factor production to polarize host immune cells towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, leading to chronic infection. The difficulty of pathogen clearance is magnified by the fact that antibiotics and other treatments cannot easily penetrate the BBB, which requires extended regimens to achieve therapeutic concentrations. Nanoparticle systems are rapidly emerging as a promising platform to treat a range of CNS disorders. Nanoparticles have several advantages, as they can be engineered to cross the BBB with specific functionality to increase cellular and molecular targeting, have controlled release of therapeutic agents, and superior bioavailability and circulation compared to traditional therapies. Within the CNS environment, therapeutic actions are not limited to directly targeting the pathogen, but can also be tailored to modulate immune cell activation to promote infection resolution. This perspective highlights the factors leading to infection persistence in the CNS and discusses how novel nanoparticle therapies can be engineered to provide enhanced treatment, specifically through modulation of immune cell polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee E Korshoj
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Wen Shi
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Bin Duan
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Tammy Kielian
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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Weidauer S, Raab P, Hattingen E. Diagnostic approach in multiple sclerosis with MRI: an update. Clin Imaging 2021; 78:276-285. [PMID: 34174655 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Although neurological examination and medical history are the first and most important steps towards the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), MRI has taken a prominent role in the diagnostic workflow especially since the implementation of McDonald criteria. However, before applying those on MR imaging features, other diseases must be excluded and MS should be favoured as the most likely diagnosis. For the prognosis the earliest possible and correct diagnosis of MS is crucial, since increasingly effective disease modifying therapies are available for the different forms of clinical manifestation and progression. This review deals with the significance of MRI in the diagnostic workup of MS with special regard to daily clinical practice. The recommended MRI protocols for baseline and follow-up examinations are summarized and typical MS lesion patterns ("green flags") in four defined CNS compartments are introduced. Pivotal is the recognition of neurological aspects as well as imaging findings atypical for MS ("red flags"). In addition, routinely assessment of Aquaporin-4-IgG antibodies specific for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) as well as the knowledge of associated lesion patterns on MRI is recommended. Mistaken identity of such lesions with MS and consecutive implementation of disease modifying therapies for MS can worsen the course of NMOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Weidauer
- Department of Neurology, Sankt Katharinen Hospital, Teaching Hospital of the Goethe University, Seckbacher Landstraße 65, 60389 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Peter Raab
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Hattingen
- Institute of Neuroradiology, Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Meyers SP. Intracranial Abnormalities with Diffusion Restriction. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2021; 29:137-161. [PMID: 33902900 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Multiple pathologic conditions can cause changes in the random movement of water, which can be detected with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). DWI plays a powerful clinical role in detecting restricted diffusion associated with acute brain infarction. Other disorders can also result in restricted diffusion. This article focuses on showing examples of common and uncommon disorders that have restricted diffusion secondary to cytotoxic and/or intramyelinic edema. These disorders include ischemia, infection, noninfectious demyelinating diseases, genetic mutations affecting metabolism, acquired metabolic disorders, toxic or drug exposures, neoplasms and tumorlike lesions, radiation treatment, trauma, and denervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Meyers
- Department of Radiology/Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, University Medical Imaging, 4901 Lac de Ville Boulevard, Building D - Suite 140, Rochester, NY 14618, USA.
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Neuroimaging of CNS infection in haematological malignancy: important signs and common diagnostic pitfalls. Clin Radiol 2021; 76:470.e1-470.e12. [PMID: 33610289 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Patients with haematological malignancy are at increased risk of developing central nervous system (CNS) infections, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic pathway of these patients; however, layers of complexity are added to image interpretation by the heterogeneity in imaging manifestations of haematological malignancies in the CNS, overlapping imaging features of CNS infection, treatment-related parenchymal changes and the presence of intracranial comorbidity. In this article, we review important intracranial findings of CNS infection cases accrued in 1,855 studies over more than a decade at a specialist tertiary centre. We offer schema to identify common and important neuroimaging features, discuss key differential diagnoses and frequent diagnostic pitfalls.
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Weidauer S, Wagner M, Hattingen E. White Matter Lesions in Adults - a Differential Diagnostic Approach. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2020; 192:1154-1173. [PMID: 32688424 DOI: 10.1055/a-1207-1006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebral white matter lesions on MRI in adults are a common finding. On the one hand, they may correspond to a clinically incidental feature, be physiologically or age-associated, or on the other hand they may be the overture to a severe neurological disease. With regard to pathophysiological aspects, practical hints for the differential diagnostic interpretation of lesions in daily clinical practice are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS With special regard to the vascular architecture and supply of the cerebral white matter, physiological structures are schematically represented and pathophysiological processes are highlighted by comparative image analysis of equally angulated MR sequences. RESULTS The most frequent vascular, inflammatory, metabolic, and neoplastic disease entities are presented on the basis of characteristic imaging findings and corresponding clinical- neurological constellations. The details of signal intensities and localization essential for differential diagnosis are highlighted. CONCLUSION By means of comparative image analysis and the recognition of characteristic lesion patterns, taking into account anatomical principles and pathophysiological processes, the differential diagnostic classification of cerebral white matter lesions and associated diseases can be significantly facilitated. The additional consideration of clinical and laboratory findings is essential. KEY POINTS · Cerebral white matter lesions can be a harmless secondary finding or overture to a severe neurological disease.. · The comparative image analysis of different sequences with identical angulation is crucial.. · With special regard to the vascular anatomy, different lesion patterns can be identified.. · The consideration of neurological and laboratory chemical constellations is essential for the differential diagnosis.. CITATION FORMAT · Weidauer S, Wagner M, Hattingen E. White Matter Lesions in Adults - a Differential Diagnostic Approach. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 1154 - 1173.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Weidauer
- Neurology, Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marlies Wagner
- Institute for Neuroradiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elke Hattingen
- Institute for Neuroradiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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