MultiSeq-AMR: a modular amplicon-sequencing workflow for rapid detection of bloodstream infection and antimicrobial resistance markers.

Summary

The authors present MultiSeq-AMR, a modular nanopore amplicon-sequencing workflow designed for rapid BSI diagnosis, simultaneously identifying bacterial/fungal pathogens and an extensive AMR gene panel. This platform could shorten time-to-result and enable earlier targeted therapy compared with culture-based methods.

Key Findings

• Introduces a modular nanopore amplicon-sequencing workflow for rapid identification of bacterial and fungal species.
• Simultaneous detection of a comprehensive set of antimicrobial resistance genes.
• Proposes a practical approach to accelerate actionable diagnostics for bloodstream infections.

Clinical Implications

If validated clinically, MultiSeq-AMR could expedite de-escalation/escalation, improve antimicrobial stewardship, and potentially reduce mortality in BSI-associated sepsis.

Limitations

• Abstract lacks clinical validation data (sensitivity/specificity, turnaround time, sample size)
• Targeted amplicon approach may miss off-panel pathogens/novel resistance determinants

Future Directions

Prospective clinical trials benchmarking against blood culture and metagenomics; health-economic analyses and integration into sepsis care pathways.