Metagenomics in the Diagnosis of Pneumonia: Protocol for a Systematic Review

Background: Causative pathogens are currently identified in only a minority of pneumonia cases, which affects antimicrobial stewardship. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has potential to enhance pathogen detection due to its sensitivity and broad applicability. However, while studies have shown improved sensitivity compared with conventional microbiological methods for pneumonia diagnosis, it remains unclear whether this can translate into clinical benefit. Most existing studies focus on patients who are ventilated, readily allowing for analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The impact of sample type on the use of metagenomic analysis remains poorly defined. Similarly, previous studies rarely differentiate between the types of pneumonia involved—community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)—which have different clinical profiles.

Objective: This study aims to determine the clinical use of mNGS in CAP, HAP, and VAP, compared with traditional microbiological methods.

Methods: We aim to review all studies (excluding case reports of a series of fewer than 10 people) of adult patients with suspected or confirmed pneumonia that compare metagenomic analysis with traditional microbiology techniques, including culture, antigen-based testing, and polymerase chain reaction–based assays. Relevant studies will be identified through systematic searches of the Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Screening of titles, abstracts, and subsequent review of eligible full texts will be done by 2 separate reviewers (SQ and 1 of AL, CJ, or CH), with a third clinician (ES) providing adjudication in case of disagreement. Our focus is on the clinical use of metagenomics for patients with CAP, HAP, and VAP. Data extracted will focus on clinically important outcomes—pathogen positivity rate, laboratory turnaround time, impact on clinical decision-making, length of stay, and 30-day mortality. Subgroup analyses will be performed based on the type of pneumonia (CAP, HAP, or VAP) and sample type used. The risk of bias will be assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool for diagnostic accuracy studies. Outcome data will be combined in a random-effects meta-analysis, and where this is not possible, a narrative synthesis will be undertaken.

Results: The searches were completed with the assistance of a medical librarian on January 13, 2024, returning 5750 records. Screening and data extraction are anticipated to be completed by September 2024.

Conclusions: Despite significant promise, the impact of metagenomic analysis on clinical pathways remains unclear. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the use of this technique will alter depending on whether the pneumonia is a CAP, HAP, or VAP or the sample type that is collected. This systematic review will assess the current evidence base to support the benefit of clinical outcomes for metagenomic analysis, depending on the setting of pneumonia diagnosis or specimen type used. It will identify areas where further research is needed to advance this methodology into routine care.

Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023488096; https://tinyurl.com/3suy7cma

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/57334