Metagenomic next-generation sequencing may assist diagnosis of osteomyelitis caused by Mycobacterium houstonense: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium houstonense (M. houstonense) belongs to the nontuberculous mycobacterium group. Infection caused by M. houstonense is prone to recurrence.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a patient who was diagnosed with osteomyelitis caused by M. houstonense and treated with a combination of cefoxitin, and amikacin combined with linezolid.

CONCLUSION

The emergence of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) has brought new hope for the diagnosis and treatment of listeria meningitis. NGS can analyze a large number of nucleic acid sequences in a short time and quickly determine the pathogen species in the sample. Compared with traditional cerebrospinal fluid culture, NGS can greatly shorten the diagnosis time and provide strong support for the timely treatment of patients. Regarding treatment, NGS can also play an important role. Rapid and accurate diagnosis can enable patients to start targeted treatment as soon as possible and improve the treatment effect. At the same time, by monitoring the changes in pathogen resistance, the treatment plan can be adjusted in time to avoid treatment failure.

Keywords: Mycobacterium houstonense; Osteomyelitis; Diagnosis; Treatment; Metagenomic next-generation sequencing; Case report

Core Tip: Both the diagnosis and treatment of Mycobacterium houstonense osteomyelitis are challenging for clinicians, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing serves as an important complementary diagnostic tool for individuals with compromised immune systems who may have osteomyelitis, especially when traditional diagnostic methods are uncertain.