About this Research Topic
The goal of targeted metagenomic is to identify and characterize the microbial communities present in clinical samples, such as blood, urine, or sputum, or other types of settings such as agricultural or forensic medicine, to diagnose and treat infectious diseases. We aim to use this technique to reduce the cost of conventional metagenomics, which has been proposed to detect all potential pathogens in clinical samples. In addition, we aim to improve the performance of current approaches such as 16S/18S rDNA-based amplicon sequencing and custom-designed primer pools. Finally, we aim to set up a guideline to standardize the workflow of targeted metagenomics in different sequencing platforms. Eventually, we aim to offer an affordable, accurate, and fast approach for precise pathogen detection by targeted metagenomics.
As a powerful tool for analyzing microbial communities in clinical settings, potential authors interested in writing about targeted metagenomics in clinical settings could cover a range of topics, including:
(1) Clinical applications of targeted metagenomics, such as identifying pathogens in various types of infectious diseases.
(2) Technical improvement of targeted metagenomics, including sample preparation, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics analysis, particularly primer design and primer dimer erasing.
(3) Challenges and limitations of targeted metagenomics by using other types of methods.
(4) Future directions of targeted metagenomics in clinical settings, such as the integration of metagenomic data with other clinical data.
Overall, potential authors could provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of targeted metagenomics, as well as the potential for this technology to revolutionize our understanding of the microbiome and its role in life.
Keywords: Metagenomic sequencing; Targeted metagenomics; Multiplex PCR; Infectious diseases; Analytical validation; Clinical performance
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