Comparing the performance of targeted next-generation sequencing and metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosing pneumonia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In terms of diagnosing pneumonia, there is currently limited evidence for a direct comparison of the performance of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), and is no comprehensive conclusion yet. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to comprehensively compare the diagnostic performance of tNGS and mNGS in patients with pneumonia.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. From the establishment of the database to September 10, 2025. Studies providing diagnostic data (true positive, false positive, false negative, true negative) for tNGS and/or mNGS in patients suspected of pneumonia were included. We conducted a frequency theory random effects network meta-analysis, and calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) for sensitivity and specificity, and to rank diagnostic performance using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values. Subgroup analyses based on sample type and patient status were conducted.
RESULTS
The NMA revealed no statistically significant differences in overall sensitivity (OR = 1.54, 95 % CI [0.47-5.06]) or specificity (OR = 1.29, 95 % CI [0.39-4.28]) between tNGS and mNGS. SUCRA rankings indicated that tNGS had the highest cumulative probability for sensitivity (91.9 %), followed by mNGS (74.6 %), and the cumulative specificity probability of tNGS (37.8 %)…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19 associated with proton pump inhibitors: a nationwide cohort study with propensity score matching
- Levofloxacin-Induced Tendon Rupture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
- Association between cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and respiratory tract infections in the first 6 months of age in a Korean population: a birth cohort study (COCOA)
- Neuroprotective Effects of Epicatechin against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Quality evaluation and in vitro interaction studies between levofloxacin 250mg and diclofenac sodium 50mg tablets
- Molecular Epidemiology of mcr-1 -Positive Polymyxin B-Resistant Escherichia coli Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) in a Tertiary Hospital in Shandong, China
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.