Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) versus tissue culture technique (TCT) in diagnosis of spinal infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Spinal infections pose a significant clinical challenge due to the difficulty of early diagnosis. Traditional Tissue Culture Technique (TCT) has limitations, while Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool. However, reports on the diagnostic performance of mNGS and TCT for spinal infections are inconsistent, and there has been a lack of systematic analysis of the evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 10 studies involving a total of 770 patients to compare the diagnostic accuracy of mNGS and TCT. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SinoMed to identify studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of mNGS and TCT for spinal infections. Data were analyzed u

SUBMITTER: Li YC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12214740 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature