Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis infection identified in 2 hematooncologic patients: benefit of molecular techniques for rare pathogen detection

Hematooncologic patients often host rare or fastidious pathogens. Using 16S rDNA sequencing and transmission electron microscopy, we have identified 2 lymphoma patients infected with Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis. In both individuals, the clinical presentation suggested ehrlichiosis-like syndrome. We believe that molecular techniques open new vistas in the field of pathogen detection. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.