Could a stool sample replace a spinal tap? new study tests Non-Invasive infection detection

This study will test whether analyzing stool and urine samples using a technique called metagenomics can find infections in people with weakened immune systems (due to HIV, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive drugs). Currently, doctors often need to take invasive samples like blood, spinal fluid, or tissue biopsies to find the cause of an infection. If stool and urine work as well, it could make diagnosis easier and safer. The study will enroll 120 participants and compare results from non-invasive samples with those from standard invasive tests.