Value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in prevention and control of nosocomial infectious diseases

Objective To explore the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the prevention and control of nosocomial infectious diseases.

Methods Retrospectively analyzed the data of 5 patients with infectious diseases from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Compared the results of mNGS and routine microbial culture.

Results Among the 5 selected patients, routine microbial culture were all negative, while the mNGS detected Bacillus anthracis, Vibrio cholerae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, respectively. All the 5 patients were diagnosed with infectious diseases earlier by mNGS, and the control measures of nosocomial infection were adjusted according to the mNGS results. No new cases of nosocomial transmission were found within 30 days of follow-up.

Conclusions The mNGS plays an important role in the early identification and diagnosis of infectious diseases, and plays a good guiding effect for the early intervention of nosocomial infection prevention and control.