Detection value of third-generation sequencing to identify the pathogenic organisms in prosthetic joint infection

Abstract

To compare the detection value of third-generation sequencing (TGS) with pathogenic microbial culture in prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Arthrocentesis was performed on 29 patients who underwent hip and knee revision surgeries. In the PJI group, TGS detected 85.71 % of positive cases, while pathogenic microbial culture detected only 42.85 %. TGS identified 17 different pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus lactis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. In the loosening group, TGS was positive in one patient, while microbial culture was negative in all cases. TGS showed higher sensitivity (85.71 % vs. 42.85 %), comparable specificity (93.33 % vs. 100 %), and similar positive predictive value (92.31 % vs. 100 %) compared to culture.However, TGS had a higher negative predictive value (87.5 % vs. 65.22 %).Additionally, TGS provided faster results (mean time 23.8±3.6 h) compared to microbial culture (mean time 108.0±9.4 h).These findings suggest that TGS holds promise for detecting pathogenic microorganisms in PJI and has potential for clinical application.