Rapid species determination of Nocardia keratitis using pyrosequencing technology

Am J Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan;143(1):182-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2006.07.036. Epub 2006 Aug 31.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a new technique, pyrosequencing, which allows for the rapid identification of Mycobacterium and Nocardia species.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: The medical records of a patient presenting with an infectious keratitis were reviewed.

Results: A case of Nocardia abscessus/arthrititis/asiatica keratitis was diagnosed in a young individual with the aid of pyrosequencing technology. Based on presumed antibiotic sensitivities, therapy with topical trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole eyedrops was initiated, and the infection was cleared rapidly with minimal residual scarring.

Conclusions: Pyrosequencing may be a useful tool in aiding the rapid diagnosis and treatment of ocular infections caused by slow-growing pathogens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Typing Techniques
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Keratitis / diagnosis
  • Keratitis / drug therapy
  • Keratitis / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nocardia / genetics*
  • Nocardia / isolation & purification
  • Nocardia Infections / diagnosis
  • Nocardia Infections / drug therapy
  • Nocardia Infections / microbiology*
  • Ophthalmic Solutions / therapeutic use
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods*
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination