Targeted Sequencing Toward Precision Wound Care

Novel methods are needed to support precision wound infection care, which is limited by a lack of diagnostic information. The effort described in this report develops and tests a targeted sequencing platform for measuring microbial genomic determinants critical to wound healing. We applied a bioinformatics approach to design probes for capture of DNA sequence indicating species/genus present, for select wound-associated pathogens, in addition to genomic determinants for virulence and antimicrobial resistance. The panel was tested using control reference microbial genomes in samples within a simulated human background, demonstrating sensitive, specific detection. The panel was further tested using wound samples from combat injuries. Detection of microbial factors was demonstrated across a range of samples. Detected determinants associated with clinical parameters with utility for guiding care. The benefits of this panel to combat wound care are numerous and wide ranging, including more timely evaluation of critical wound infection properties.