Construction of a "three-stage and four-level" evaluation system for cerebrospinal fluid pathogens based on mNGS: insights from a case of co-detection of Cryptococcus and Epstein-barr virus.
Hongfang Que, Xiaorong Jiang, Xianbin Wu et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A patient with central nervous system symptoms underwent metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), revealing co-detection of Cryptococcus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Utilizing a newly developed 'Three-Stage, Four-Level' evaluation system, clinicians identified Cryptococcus as the pathogenic agent and EBV as a latent pathogen. This led to the initiation of antifungal therapy, resulting in symptom improvement and a favorable prognosis.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
The 'Three-Stage, Four-Level' evaluation system aids in the interpretation of mNGS results, allowing for the differentiation between active and latent pathogens in CSF.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of a structured approach in interpreting complex mNGS results, which can enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions in CNS infections.