Next-generation sequencing for rapid etiologic diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome: A case of life-threatening leptospirosis

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection with public health implications and diverse clinical presentations, ranging from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening disease. In critical cases, it can cause multiorgan failure and death. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical suspicion and confirmed by laboratory testing. However, in acute, life-threatening cases, obtaining a history of exposure and recognizing early symptoms may be challenging. Traditional diagnostic methods for identifying causative pathogens are time-consuming and limited. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a novel diagnostic tool that identifies pathogens using DNA or RNA from bodily fluids, offering more timely, unbiased results, especially for fastidious or non-culturable organisms.