Mayo Clinic Laboratory and Pathology Research Roundup: Feb. 16

By Kelley Luedke • February 15, 2016

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The Research Roundup provides an overview of the past week’s research from Mayo Medical Laboratories consultants, including a featured article of the week, abstracts, and complete list of published studies and reviews.

Featured Study of the Week

Multiplex PCR Panel Testing For Viral and Gastrointestinal Pathogens

Multiplex PCR panel tests for viral and gastrointestinal pathogens as well as the rapid identification of bloodstream infections can detect more pathogens more quickly than traditional microbiology methods. However, the panels come at a high price. A recent CAP TODAY article highlighted industry experts' opinion on the clinical use of these panels, including Robin Patel, M.D., Chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology and a Consultant in the Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Laboratories at Mayo Clinic.

Featured Abstracts

Identification of a Novel Pathogenic Borrelia Species Causing Lyme Borreliosis with Unusually High Spirochaetaemia: A Descriptive Study

Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. In a recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic researchers aimed to describe a novel Borrelia species causing Lyme borreliosis in the United States. From 2003 to 2014, researchers tested routine clinical diagnostic specimens from patients with PCR targeting the oppA1 gene of B burgdorferi sensu lato. Researchers identified positive specimens with an atypical PCR result by sequencing, microscopy, or culture. The study describes a new pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies in the upper midwestern United States, which causes Lyme borreliosis with unusually high spirochaetaemia. Clinicians should be aware of this new B burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies, its distinct clinical features, and the usefulness of oppA1 PCR for diagnosis.

Published to PubMed This Week

• Classifying Germline Sequence Variants in the Era of Next-Generation Sequencing
  Clinical Chemistry
• Young Female Patient With a Hepatic Adenoma: Determining Risk for Malignant Transformation
  Mayo Clinic Proceedings
• Detection and Clinical Patterns of Nephron Hypertrophy and Nephrosclerosis Among Apparently Healthy Adults
  American Journal of Kidney Diseases
• The Dohner Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Prognostic Classification of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL): The CLL Research Consortium Experience
  British Journal of Haematology
• Natural History of Age-Related Lobular Involution and Impact on Breast Cancer risk.
  Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
• Atypical Small Acinar Proliferation (ASAP): Is a Repeat Biopsy Necessary ASAP? A Multi-Institutional Review
  Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases
• Antibacterial and Biocompatible Titanium-Copper Oxide Coating May Be a Potential Strategy to Reduce Periprosthetic Infection: An In Vitro Study
  Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Kelley Luedke

Kelley Luedke is a Marketing Channel Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She is the principle editor and writer of Insights and leads social media and direct marketing strategy. Kelley has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2013. Outside of work, you can find Kelley running, traveling, playing with her kitty, and exploring new foods.