Development of the method for pathogenic identification of mycotic aortic aneurysm patients by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18190
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 55030:Cardiovascular surgery-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
• Principal Investigator: Matsuoka Takayuki 東北医科薬科大学, 医学部, 助教 (80816447)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 起炎菌同定法 / 16S rRNA遺伝子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research, we have improved the sensitivity of the pathogenic identification method using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. So far, we have identified the specific antigens or proved the negativities in 21 of 23 samples from blood or specimens operatively resected, including two first cases of infectious diseases caused by certain pathogens. Additionally, we have succeeded in identifying microbial species from blood of septicemia that contain absolutely less number of bacteria.
This method enables us to know pathogens more quickly than conventional culture tests and provides us the worthwhile information to treat infectious diseases, and It's demonstrated to be a potential examination for infectious diseases.

Free Research Field

Cardiovascular surgery

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

細菌種同定法として有用な「16S rRNA遺伝子の塩基配列解析による細菌同定法」の基本原理を維持し、感度向上を図った本研究手法により、血液検体に含まれるごく微量な細菌をも検出できる可能性が示された。本研究手法の確立は、これまでの細菌培養に基づく起炎菌同定法のネックとなっている、時間的制約、検査感度の大きなブレイクスルーとなり、早期に標的を絞った抗菌薬治療が可能となる。これは、感染性疾患の予後改善効果のみならず、医療コストの軽減、耐性菌出現リスクの軽減に直接的に貢献できるものと考えられる。