Microbial cell-free DNA for diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infection in the immunocompromised host - what do we know?

Abstract

Purpose of review: Plasma metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) enables detection of microbial cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (mcfDNA) in blood without the need for culture or organism-specific primers. Here, we review clinical performance, methodological variability, and real-world application of plasma mNGS for infectious disease diagnosis in immunocompromised hosts (ICHs).

Recent findings: Plasma mNGS has rapidly gained attention as a novel diagnostic tool for infections in ICHs, offering broad-range pathogen detection from a noninvasive blood sample. A growing number of observational studies have assessed its diagnostic yield, clinical impact, and potential to reduce invasive procedures or time to diagnosis. However, results remain variable, with significant differences in study design, patient populations, and adjudication methods. While some studies report meaningful added value, others highlight challenges related to clinical interpretation, limited standardization, and uncertain cost-effectiveness. Moreover, although mNGS offers a wide organismal scope, its sensitivity is influenced by pathogen type, immune status, and technical limitations - particularly in fungal infections and low-burden diseases. Overall, mNGS has yet to find a clearly defined role in routine diagnostic workflows.

Summary: Understanding the current evidence, limitations, and variability surrounding plasma mNGS is essential to guide its appropriate clinical use and to inform future integration into diagnostic pathways for ICHs.