High-throughput 16S rRNA metagenomics assay was leveraged to investigate bacterial zoonotic pathogens in febrile patients in Tanzania, revealing novel and under-appreciated pathogens.
- Bacterial zoonoses cause severe febrile illness in East Africa, with patients experiencing nonspecific symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
- Previous studies in northern Tanzania identified a high prevalence of leptospirosis, Q fever, spotted fever group rickettsioses, and typhus group rickettsioses among febrile participants.
- A 16S rRNA metagenomics assay developed by the CDC accurately identified known and novel tickborne and zoonotic pathogens in spiked blood specimens.
- A study in Tanzania utilized this high-throughput assay to detect a broad range of bacterial zoonotic pathogens in febrile patients, providing insights into both known and potentially novel pathogens.
- The study identified several zoonotic pathogens, including B. quintana, R. conorii, and Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., shedding light on the causes of febrile illness in the region and highlighting the potential of metagenomic approaches in disease surveillance and prevention.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Internal Medicine