Bacteria and yeast pathogens sequenced from human blood culture specimens

Bloodstream infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early pathogen detection and administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy substantially impacts patient survival and prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study demonstrates the potential use of Illumina short-read sequencing for identification and characterization of pathogens directly from blood culture specimens to facilitate timely initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapies.