Long reads metagenomics-based diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

In this study, we utilized Oxford Nanopore Technologies' real-time, long-read metagenome sequencing to identify pathogens in the cirrhotic ascites of a patient with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). A rapid diagnostic process is pivotal for an effective treatment of SBP. Traditional tests, limited by their detection range and constraints related to pathogen growth conditions, often miss pathogens that necessitate specific growth media, require prolonged cultivation times, or are not targeted by amplification assays. Long-read sequencing offers a broader pathogen detection range and substantially faster turnaround time compared to cultivation-based diagnostics.