Cerebrospinal fluid MinION sequencing of 16S rRNA gene for rapid and accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis

We read with interest recent articles in this journal regarding the utility of next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis bacterial meningitis.1,2 Bacterial meningitis causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide.3 Rapid identification of the microorganisms is essential for early initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, thereby improving clinical outcome. Yet routine diagnostic methods fail to identify the bacteria in the majority of patients. Over the last decade, advanced sequencing technologies have greatly improved our capacity to detect the causative agents of infectious diseases in clinical samples.