# Utility of microbial cell-free DNA sequencing in the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections in a quaternary care center

## TL;DR

This study shows that sequencing microbial cell-free DNA can help diagnose mycobacterial infections and guide treatment in a hospital setting.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the clinical utility of mcfDNA NGS for diagnosing mycobacterial infections in a real-world hospital setting.

## Key findings

- mcfDNA NGS had 75.0% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity for mycobacterial infections.
- Positive mcfDNA NGS results led to changes in antimicrobial therapy for most patients.

## Abstract

We examine the performance of microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing on patients admitted to a quaternary care hospital in Houston, Texas. The test was 75.0% sensitive and 97.8% specific for all mycobacterial infections. mcfDNA NGS results led to adjustments in antimicrobial therapy for seven of nine patients with positive results.