Project description:The use of faecal microbial markers as non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) has been suggested, but not fully elucidated. Here, we have evaluated the importance of Parvimonas micra as a potential non-invasive faecal biomarker in CRC and its relation to other microbial biomarkers. The levels of P. micra, F. nucleatum and clbA?+?bacteria were quantified using qPCR in faecal samples from a population-based cohort of patients undergoing colonoscopy due to symptoms from the large bowel. The study included 38 CRC patients, 128 patients with dysplasia and 63 controls. The results were validated in a second consecutive CRC cohort including faecal samples from 238 CRC patients and 94 controls. We found significantly higher levels of P. micra in faecal samples from CRC patients compared to controls. A test for P. micra could detect CRC with a specificity of 87.3% and a sensitivity of 60.5%. In addition, we found that combining P. micra with other microbial markers, could further enhance test sensitivity. Our findings support the potential use of P. micra as a non-invasive biomarker for CRC. Together with other microbial faecal markers, P. micra may identify patients with "high risk" microbial patterns, indicating increased risk and incidence of cancer.
Project description:BackgroundParvimonas micra (P. micra), a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, exhibits colonization tendencies on oral mucosal and skin surfaces, potentially evolving into a pathogenic entity associated with diverse diseases. The diagnostic trajectory for P. micra-related diseases encounters delays, often with severe consequences, including fatality, attributed to the absence of symptom specificity and challenges in culture. The absence of a consensus on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to P. micra exacerbates the complexity of addressing associated conditions. This study aims to elucidate and scrutinize the clinical manifestations linked to P. micra, drawing insights from an extensive literature review of pertinent case reports.Case presentationA 53-year-old male sought medical attention at our institution presenting with recurrent hemoptysis. Empirical treatment was initiated while awaiting pathogen culture results; however, the patient's symptoms persisted. Subsequent metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) analysis revealed a pulmonary infection attributable to P. micra. Resolution of symptoms occurred following treatment with piperacillin sulbactam sodium and moxifloxacin hydrochloride. A comprehensive literature review, utilizing the PubMed database, was conducted to assess case reports over the last decade where P. micra was identified as the causative agent.ConclusionThe literature analysis underscores the predilection of P. micra for immunocompromised populations afflicted by cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, orthopedic conditions, and tumors. Risk factors, including oral and periodontal hygiene, smoking, and alcohol consumption, were found to be associated with P. micra infections. Clinical manifestations encompassed fever, cough, sputum production, and back pain, potentially leading to severe outcomes such as Spondylodiscitis, septic arthritis, lung abscess, bacteremia, sepsis, and mortality. While conventional bacterial culture remains the primary diagnostic tool, emerging technologies like mNGS offer alternative considerations. In terms of treatment modalities, β-lactam antibiotics and nitroimidazoles predominated, exhibiting recovery rates of 56.10% (46/82) and 23.17% (19/82), respectively. This case report and literature review collectively aim to enhance awareness among clinicians and laboratory medicine professionals regarding the intricacies of P. micra-associated infections.