Exploring the accuracy of third-generation Nanopore Sequencing technology for detecting mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with diabetes mellitus

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2024 Sep;110(1):116392. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116392. Epub 2024 Jun 6.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of third-generation nanopore sequencing technology in patients with diabetes mellitus suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods: Samples, including sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), were collected from patients with diabetes mellitus suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis who were admitted from October 2021 to August 2023. Nanopore sequencing, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear, mycobacterial solid culture, Xpert MTB/RIF, and DNA detection were performed, and their diagnostic efficacy was compared.

Results: Third-generation nanopore sequencing technology exhibited high accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Compared to traditional methods, nanopore sequencing showed significantly improved sensitivity (76.80 %), negative predictive value (30.40 %), coincidence (77.92 %), and diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.822). Combined detection with Xpert achieved the highest diagnostic performance, with increased sensitivity (81.20 %), positive predictive value (98.20 %), negative predictive value (35.00 %), coincidence (81.82 %), and AUC (0.843). Although acid-fast staining had limitations, its combination with nanopore sequencing improved screening effectiveness.

Conclusion: Compared to established diagnostic modalities such as acid-fast staining, mycobacterial solid culture, Xpert MTB/RIF, and DNA detection, third-generation nanopore sequencing technology demonstrates a significant improvement in sensitivity for detecting suspected pulmonary tuberculosis in diabetic patients. Notably, the combined application of nanopore sequencing with Xpert testing offers a further enhancement in diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Diagnostic Efficacy; Nanopore Sequencing; Pulmonary Tuberculosis; Third-Generation Sequencing.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / microbiology
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis* / genetics
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis* / isolation & purification
  • Nanopore Sequencing* / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity*
  • Sputum* / microbiology
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary* / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary* / microbiology

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial