KFSHRC develops diagnosis protocol for infectious diseases

One of its key features is the use of second and third-generation sequencing.

Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has developed a metagenomic protocol that involves genetic analysis of microbial DNA to diagnose infectious diseases.

The protocol utilises second and third-generation sequencing technologies and has been applied to over 100 patients whose infections could not be identified through traditional microbiology methods.

Of these cases, half (50%) exhibited antibiotic resistance, offering critical data for more effective treatment strategies.

According to the hospital, the protocol is capable of providing results within 24 hours and can identify viruses, fungi, or bacteria to facilitate targeted treatment based on the pathogen’s characteristics and the patient’s genetic makeup.