We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




DNA Test Detects Three Times More Lung Pathogens Than Traditional Methods

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 May 2025

Traditional microbiological tests (CMTs) used for detecting pathogens typically rely on methods such as culture growth, microscopy, and targeted PCR assays. More...

While these tests are known for their specificity, they have a limited range. CMTs are generally cost-effective for diagnosing common infections, but they often struggle with identifying rare or atypical pathogens. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), however, offers a broader scope and faster results, enabling the identification of uncommon pathogens such as Pneumocystis and herpesviruses within days. This speed and accuracy are crucial for providing timely and precise treatment. Now, a new study has shown that mNGS can significantly enhance the early detection of pathogens and expedite the creation of targeted anti-infection treatment plans, improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

The study conducted by researchers at Nanchang University (Jiangxi, China) and BGI Genomics (Shenzhen, China) revealed that mNGS detected pathogens in 86% of cases, a significant improvement over CMTs, which only identified pathogens in 67% of cases. mNGS demonstrated a broader detection spectrum, identifying 59 bacteria, 18 fungi, 14 viruses, and 4 special pathogens, compared to only 28 pathogens identified by CMTs. This increased detection capability makes mNGS an invaluable tool for diagnosing pulmonary infections more comprehensively. The study, published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, also showed that mNGS results helped guide treatment decisions for difficult-to-diagnose pathogens, leading to better outcomes for patients. Adjusting treatment plans based on mNGS findings improved the prognosis for 16 patients infected with pathogens typically missed by conventional tests.

The mNGS method proved to be an effective tool in clinical decision-making for infection management. In the study, doctors used mNGS results to adjust antibiotic treatments for 133 patients, with 40.6% of those cases benefiting from more targeted therapies. Despite a single instance of unnecessary antibiotic use, the overall findings indicate that mNGS can be trusted to optimize patient care. The mNGS method excelled at detecting atypical pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, as well as fungal infections such as Pneumocystis jirovecii and Talaromyces marneffei. These pathogens, which are often missed by traditional diagnostic methods, were successfully identified using mNGS. As a result, mNGS simplifies the pathogen detection process by providing greater sensitivity and a broader range of detection capabilities compared to conventional methods. Its integration into clinical practice offers more accurate, timely diagnoses and supports more targeted treatments, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in the treatment of pulmonary infections.

"Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) provides a broad-spectrum, rapid, and precise diagnostic approach for detecting pathogens in pulmonary infections. This enables personalized anti-infection therapy and enhances patient outcomes,” said Wang Xiaozhong, a professor at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and corresponding author of the study. “In the future, integrating mNGS with clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and traditional testing methods for multidimensional analysis will help establish an integrated diagnostic and treatment model featuring 'rapid identification—precise intervention—dynamic monitoring.”


Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
POC Helicobacter Pylori Test Kit
Hepy Urease Test
New
Urine Chemistry Control
Dropper Urine Chemistry Control
New
HBV DNA Test
GENERIC HBV VIRAL LOAD VER 2.0
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: Platelets sequester cfDNA during circulation (Murphy L. et al., Science, 2025; DOI: 10.1126/science.adp3971)

Platelets Could Improve Early and Minimally Invasive Detection of Cancer

Platelets are widely recognized for their role in blood clotting and scab formation, but they also play a crucial role in immune defense by detecting pathogens and recruiting immune cells.... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The test could streamline clinical decision-making by identifying ideal candidates for immunotherapy upfront (Xiao, Y. et al. Cancer Biology & Medicine July 2025, 20250038)

Blood Test Predicts Immunotherapy Efficacy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking targeted therapies, making immunotherapy a promising yet unpredictable option. Current biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression or tumor... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: New diagnostics could predict a woman’s risk of a common sexually transmitted infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Markers Could Predict Risk of Severe Chlamydia Infection

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and other reproductive complications when it spreads to the upper genital tract.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.