Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for diagnostically challenging infectious diseases in patients with acute leukemia

This report shows the contribution of next-generation metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) as an alternative to challenging diagnostic infection in immunosuppressed individuals. Herein, we report three acute leukemia patients who developed severe invasive infections due to different etiologies: fungi, viruses, and protozoa. mNGS improved the diagnosis of the infections and provided the opportunity for adequate therapy. The mNGS is a hypothesis-free diagnostic platform, increasing potential in challenging diseases in hematological patients due to the extended diagnostic panel and the expedite access to the result. (C) 2021 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

Automated summary

This report demonstrates the value of next-generation metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) as an alternative method for challenging diagnostic infection in immunosuppressed individuals, with three cases of acute leukemia patients showing how mNGS can improve diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment options. The hypothesis-free diagnostic platform of mNGS has potential in hematological patients due to the expanded diagnostic panel and expedited access to results.