The utilization of microbial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing for the detection of human herpesvirus-8 in a quaternary care center
Background: Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8) can present with cutaneous or extracutaneous manifestations. While violaceous skin lesions characterize cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma, extracutaneous HHV8 is challenging to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms. Objectives: We evaluated the role of microbial cell-fre...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SAGE Publishing
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/20499361251313832 |
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| Summary: | Background: Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8) can present with cutaneous or extracutaneous manifestations. While violaceous skin lesions characterize cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma, extracutaneous HHV8 is challenging to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms. Objectives: We evaluated the role of microbial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing (mcfDNA NGS) in diagnosing HHV8-related illness. Design: Retrospective analysis. Methods: Between 2017 and 2024, we reviewed the medical charts of 10 immunosuppressed patients at a quaternary care center who had positive HHV8 mcfDNA NGS results. Results: The clinical and laboratory turnaround times of mcfDNA NGS were 3 and 1 days, respectively (8.5 and 7 days for immunohistochemistry vs 5.5 and 2 days for serum HHV8 polymerase chain reaction). Eight patients received HHV8-related diagnoses, while two had unrelated conditions. Management changed in six patients post-testing due to outpatient specialist referral or adjusting antimicrobials. Conclusion: mcfDNA NGS can aid clinicians in identifying HHV8-related diseases before tissue sampling and adjusting treatment plans in patients with nonspecific disease manifestations. |
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| ISSN: | 2049-937X |