OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential of nanopore sequencing technology for rapid diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei (TM) infection.

METHODS Nine patients with TM infection admitted to the Fourth People′s Hospital of Nanning from May 13, 2022 to Aug. 3, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Rapid diagnosis was conducted by nanopore sequencing technology, and a comprehensive analysis of their clinical characteristics and treatment processes was performed.

RESULTS The 9 patients included in the study had infections in various sites such as the lungs, buttocks, blood and cervical lymph nodes. Comorbidities included AIDS, secondary pulmonary tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease and adult-onset immune deficiency. Patients generally exhibited elevated C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates, along with increased neutrophil counts. Some patients had abnormal lymphocyte counts and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺ ratios. Microbiological tests showed positive cultures in 3 cases, positive smears in 2 cases and positive targeted detection in 6 cases. Nanopore sequencing detected various pathogens in the 9 patients. The treatment results indicated that 8 patients improved after medication, with 6 patients having medication regimens adjusted based on nanopore sequencing results.

CONCLUSION Nanopore sequencing technology has shown potentials in the auxiliary diagnosis of TM infection, providing timely etiological diagnostic evidence for clinical practice.