One genomic test can diagnose nearly any infection.

A genomic test developed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) can rapidly diagnose various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). This test has been successful in identifying neurological infections like meningitis and encephalitis, as well as potential viral pandemic threats. The mNGS test has been proven to be effective in diagnosing rare infectious neurological diseases, with a high accuracy rate in identifying pathogens. Additionally, the test has been adapted to work with respiratory fluid, allowing for faster results and potential early detection of respiratory viruses with pandemic potential. [Extracted from the article]