Comparative evaluation of RNA isothermal amplification-gold probe lateral flow assay and targeted next-generation sequencing for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza A and B viruses in children

TL;DR

This study compares two methods for detecting respiratory viruses in children, finding that each has strengths depending on the situation.

Contribution

The study provides a comparative analysis of RNA isothermal amplification-lateral flow and targeted sequencing for detecting pathogens in children.

Findings

tNGS had higher positivity rates for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Influenza B than RGT.

RGT and tNGS showed no difference in detecting Influenza A.

RGT is faster and more cost-effective, while tNGS offers higher sensitivity and throughput.

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the positive detection rates of RNA Isothermal Amplification-Gold Probe Lateral Flow Technology (RGT) and Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS) for Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Influenza A/B viruses in children with acute respiratory infections (ARIs), and to explore their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Clinical and laboratory data of pediatric patients with ARIs undergoing concurrent RGT and tNGS testing (Jan–Sep 2024) were collected. McNemar's test compared detection rates, and Cohen's kappa coefficient assessed the agreement of the result of between the two methods.

For detecting MP and Influenza B virus, tNGS showed a significantly higher positivity rate than RGT. However, there is no difference between tNGS and RGT in the positive detection rate of Influenza A. The agreement between tNGS and RGT was good for MP detection, but only moderate for Influenza A/B virus detection.

tNGS offers high-throughput, high-sensitivity screening, while RGT is rapid, user-friendly, cost-effective and superior for identifying active infections and monitoring treatment responses. Optimal method selection is dependent on clinical scenarios and diagnostic priorities.