Conclusion
Using our workflow, 16S rRNA gene analysis using MinION enabled rapid and accurate identification possible in various kinds of bacterial ocular infections.
Objective
We conducted a feasibility study to verify the effectiveness of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene analysis using the nanopore sequencer MinION for identifying causative bacteria in several types of ocular infections.
Results
16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis with MinION identified the causative organisms promptly with high accuracy in approximately 4 hours, from ophthalmic specimens. The results of the conventional culture method and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were consistent in all cases. In four of the six cases, a greater variety of organisms was found in the 16S rRNA gene analysis than in bacterial culture.