https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7736-3629
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Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the accuracy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for rapid diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis using spinal tissue specimens.
Methods
Medical data regarding suspected spinal tuberculosis were retrospectively analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the curve (AUC) of mNGS were calculated to determine its diagnostic efficacy, and these values were compared with culture and composite reference standard (CRS).
Results
Two hundred and three cases of spinal tuberculosis were included for analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC of mNGS compared with culture were all very good. When CRS was used for the comparison, the sensitivity of mNGS and culture were 71.2% and 73.0%; the specificity and PPV were 100% in all cases; the NPV were 74.2% and 75.4%; the AUCs were all 0.86. The sensitivity and NPV of culture were slightly higher than that of mNGS; however, the diagnostic efficacy of mNGS and culture was consistent (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Spinal tissue specimens for mNGS testing had very good accuracy for diagnosing spinal tuberculosis.
Data Sharing Statement
Relevant data can be requested from the corresponding author if there is a reasonable need.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
Patients or their families signed the informed consent form. This study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to our patients and colleagues in the department.
Disclosure
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.