Next-generation sequencing allowed fast identification of a new astrovirus strain (HAstV-VA1/HMO-C-PA) in a boy with progressive encephalitis, leading to tailored treatment and encouraging 1-year outcomes.
Case Report (n=1)
Does next-generation sequencing improve diagnosis and allow tailored therapy in a patient with progressive encephalitis of unknown etiology?
Next-generation sequencing can successfully identify novel pathogens like astrovirus in immunocompromised patients with progressive encephalitis when standard PCR fails, enabling tailored therapy.
A boy with X-linked agammaglobulinemia experienced progressive global motor decline, cerebellar syndrome, and epilepsy. All standard polymerase chain reactions for neurotropic viruses were negative on cerebrospinal fluid and brain biopsy. Next-generation sequencing allowed fast identification of a new astrovirus strain (HAstV-VA1/HMO-C-PA), which led to tailor the patient's treatment, with encouraging clinical monitoring over 1 year.
Frémond et al. (Sun,) conducted a case report in Astrovirus-Associated Progressive Encephalitis (n=1). Next-generation sequencing vs. Standard polymerase chain reactions was evaluated on Identification of pathogen. Next-generation sequencing allowed fast identification of a new astrovirus strain (HAstV-VA1/HMO-C-PA) in a boy with progressive encephalitis, leading to tailored treatment and encouraging 1-year outcomes.