[Expert consensus on the application and practice of targeted next-generation sequencing in infectious diseases].

Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) technology focuses on detecting pathogenic microorganisms and drug-resistant genes in clinical samples by designing specific primers or capture probes, providing evidence for the diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of infectious diseases. However, the current clinical application scenarios of tNGS and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) are not clearly defined, and the tNGS systems from different manufacturers vary significantly in quality and results. There is an urgent need for consensus and standards regarding the clinical indications, laboratory processes, quality control, performance validation and interpretation of reports for this technology. In order to standardize the application and practice of tNGS in infectious diseases, experts in the fields of microbiology, infectious disease, respiratory disease, epidemiology and other fields from the Society of Clinical Microbiology of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare discussed the above problems, wrote the expert consensus on the application and practice of tNGS in infectious diseases. This consensus summarizes the research on tNGS in infectious diseases, and proposes recommendations that are in line with clinical practice in China, so as to standardize the application and practice of tNGS in infectious diseases. The main contents include: consensus formulation process, clinical indications, technical points, wet and dry experiments, report and interpretation, and report template.