A retrospective analysis comparing metagenomic next-generation sequencing with conventional microbiology testing for the identification of pathogens in patients with severe infections

Introduction The application value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in detecting pathogenic bacteria was evaluated to promote the rational and accurate use of antibiotics. A total of 180 patients with severe infections were included in this study. Methods Based on their different symptoms, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or blood samples were collected for conventional microbiological testing (CMT) and mNGS. Results The results indicated that the etiological diagnosis rate of mNGS (78.89%) was significantly higher than that of CMT (20%) (p Discussion Our data indicated that mNGS had significant auxiliary value in the clinical diagnosis and treatment for critically ill patients, especially for those with negative CMT results and clinically undefined infections. mNGS could broaden the detection scope, especially for special pathogens, and improve the detection rate, providing powerful assistance for early clinical diagnosis and treatment.