Comparative diagnostic performance of plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing versus amplicon-based blood next-generation sequencing in suspected bloodstream or endovascular infection: a single-center study

We compared plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing (mcfDNAseq) with an amplicon-based blood next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay for 10 patients with suspected bloodstream or endovascular infection. Plasma testing detected pathogens in eight (seven clinically meaningful), whereas amplicon testing was negative in all. Plasma mcfDNAseq provided higher test yield and overall sensitivity.