Microbial cell-free DNA-sequencing as an addition to conventional diagnostics in neonatal sepsis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bloodstream infections remain a challenge for neonatologists, as traditional culture-based methods are time-consuming and rely on adequate blood volume. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers an alternative, as it can identify microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) in a small blood sample, providing rapid pathogen detection. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of DISQVER®-NGS compared to blood cultures in neonatal patients with suspected sepsis.

Methods

In neonates with suspected sepsis, blood cultures and samples for NGS were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into four categories: 1) sepsis, blood culture positive, 2) clinical sepsis, culture negative, 3) suspected sepsis, 4) validation cohort.

Results

NGS detected bacterial, vira

SUBMITTER: Balks J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12015174 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature