Sequencing Test Shows High Accuracy for Detecting Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Children

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) detects Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children with high accuracy, according to a meta-analysis published in BMC Pediatrics. Pooling data from seven studies involving 1,353 children, the analysis found a pooled sensitivity of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88–0.97) and a pooled specificity of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–0.99) for diagnosing pediatric M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) from respiratory specimens. The authors conclude that mNGS can serve as a valuable adjunct to conventional diagnostic methods.

The researchers searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Wanfang Data Databases from inception to February 2026, including studies that used mNGS or targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) on respiratory specimens for diagnosing pediatric MPP and reported sufficient data to construct 2×2 tables. Of the 1,353 children included across the seven studies, 829 were MP-positive and 524 were MP-negative.

The pooled estimates were generated with a bivariate random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were used to explore heterogeneity. Moderate heterogeneity was observed for sensitivity, with an I² of 63.2%. Publication bias was assessed using Deeks’ funnel plot, and no significant publication bias was detected (P = 0.104).

One of the included studies evaluated targeted next-generation sequencing, a related technique with potential advantages in cost-effectiveness, and showed preliminary, limited evidence of performance comparable to mNGS. The authors emphasize that this single-study evidence for tNGS warrants further validation before firmer conclusions can be drawn. Overall, the meta-analysis supports mNGS as a highly accurate diagnostic option for pediatric MPP while noting that its sensitivity may be reduced in severe or refractory disease and that the evidence base for tNGS remains preliminary.

Subject of Research: Diagnostic accuracy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Article Title: Diagnostic accuracy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: a meta-analysis

Article References: Cheng, K., Jiang, X., Song, X., & Guo, Y. (2026). Diagnostic accuracy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: a meta-analysis. BMC Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-026-07792-5

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-026-07792-5

Keywords: metagenomic next-generation sequencing, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, pediatric pneumonia, meta-analysis, diagnostic accuracy, tNGS, community-acquired pneumonia, respiratory specimens, sensitivity, specificity, Diagnostic, accuracy