Characteristics of Rickettsia typhi Infections Detected with Next-Generation Sequencing of Microbial Cell-Free Deoxyribonucleic Acid in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

We present 10 patients with Rickettsia typhi infection in whom next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (mcfDNA) was used as a diagnostic tool. Rickettsia typhi mcfDNA was detected in all cases and was more rapid and specific than rickettsial serology. Rickettsia typhi mcfDNA impacted antibiotic management in 50% of patients.