Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Suspected Opportunistic Infections in People Living with HIV

Objective The diagnosis of suspected opportunistic infections in HIV patients is challenging due to the wide range of potential causes. This study used mNGS to analyse specimens of suspected opportunistic infections in HIV patients from a single centre to explore this method's applicability as a diagnostic tool compared to that of CMTs. Methods We retrospectively investigated 46 suspected opportunistic infections in people living with HIV(PLWH) Hospitalized at Hangzhou Xixi hospital from January 2020 to August 2021. In total, we collected 49 samples (3 patients provided 2 samples) and sent them out for mNGS. Results mNGS had a better detection rate for fungi and nontuberculous mycobacteria than that of CMTs. Specifically, the diagnostic detection rate of fungi (11 vs 19, P Conclusion mNGS technology provides an alternative and promising method of identifying suspected opportunistic infections in PLWH. Thus, the best diagnosis strategy may be using a combination of mNGS and CMTs.