Solving the diagnostic dilemma in bone infections: metagenomic next generation sequencing enhances pathogen identification accuracy
mNGS substantially enhances the diagnostic yield for bone infections, particularly in polymicrobial, low-abundance, or culture-negative scenarios. mNGS-negative patients had significantly shorter hospital stays and a lower rehospitalization rate. Its rapid and comprehensive pathogen detection may enable more timely and targeted antimicrobial therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burden. These findings support the integration of mNGS as a valuable adjunct to conventional diagnostic workflows in orthopedic infectious diseases.
Authors
- Jiheng Xiao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1133-4703)
- Congli Pu
- Yingze Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6947-2901)
- Xianglong Zhou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5867-2964)
- Puxin Yang
- Shanshan Zhang
- Liming Xiong
- Xiaokang Zhang
Institutions
- Hebei Medical University (CN)
- Union Hospital (HK)
- Nankai University (CN)
- Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University (CN)
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (CN)
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Medicine
- Published
- 2026-01-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1699607
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Orthopedic Infections and Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 39.15
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology
- Tongji University
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology