Genetic analysis of stool samples improves diagnosis of intestinal diseases, offering better public health responses and understanding of infections.
A University of Liverpool study has made a significant advancement in understanding and diagnosing infectious intestinal diseases. The research analyzed over 1,000 stool samples using metagenomic (DNA-based) and metatranscriptomic (RNA-based) sequencing. These advanced techniques identify genetic material directly from patient samples, unlike traditional methods that require growing organisms in a lab.
The study revealed infections missed by standard tests and provided insights into how bacteria behave in the gut. Specifically, the research captured a comprehensive snapshot of Salmonella gene expression from a human stool sample. This transcriptomic data offers new understanding of how the bacteria survive after leaving the human gut, which is valuable for targeting this pathogen.
Key findings highlight the effectiveness of RNA tests in detecting hidden infections, including parasites and RNA viruses. The RNA remained stable in stool samples without preservatives, indicating its robustness. The ratio of RNA to DNA helped distinguish true infections from harmless gut microbes, providing a clearer picture of the infection process.
According to Professor Alistair Darby, these genetic tools can revolutionize the identification and understanding of intestinal infections. By understanding not just what is present, but also what it is doing, public health responses can be improved. This study demonstrates the potential for innovation in healthcare and offers open-access data to aid other researchers and public health agencies.
Dr. Edward Cunningham-Oakes added that the results show RNA can provide insights into how infections work. This opens up new possibilities for diagnosing and treating these illnesses more effectively. The findings could significantly impact how diarrhoeal diseases are diagnosed and managed, especially with the growing need for rapid, accurate diagnostics.