Clinical utility of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and a novel PCR-based point-of-care testing (POCT) for pathogen detection in pulmonary infections: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and multiple point-of-care testing (POCT) techniques have demonstrated significant potential in pathogen detection. However, neither technology fully meets all clinical diagnostic needs for pulmonary infections. This study aimed to evaluate the complementary detection performance and clinical applicability of POCT and mNGS in pulmonary infections, using conventional culture as a reference.

Methods

This study enrolled forty-five patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections for concurrent evaluation using POCT and mNGS. The detection performance of traditional culture methods, POCT, and mNGS was subsequently analyzed and compared.

Results

Both molecular methods showed high positive detection rates, s

SUBMITTER: Shen A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751992 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature