Research Results from Indiana University School of Medicine Update Knowledge of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Sequencing for Pathogen Detection and Quantification in Children with Musculoskeletal Infections).

A study conducted by researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine has found that plasma microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing can be a useful tool for detecting and quantifying pathogens in children with musculoskeletal infections (MSKIs). The study found that mcfDNA sequencing was able to identify a pathogen in a higher percentage of cases compared to traditional culture methods. However, it should be noted that multiple pathogens were frequently detected, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of results. The researchers concluded that mcfDNA sequencing may be particularly beneficial if performed prior to surgery. [Extracted from the article]