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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
10:08
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens
Published on: April 17, 2026
Clinical Utility of the Syndromic Meningitis/Encephalitis Molecular Panel in Neonates with Suspected Sepsis
Ferhan Demirtas1, İpeksu Yazır2, Yasemin Ezgi Kostekci1
1Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ankara, Turkey, Ankara.
Zeitschrift Fur Geburtshilfe Und Neonatologie
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Syndromic meningitis/encephalitis (sME) molecular panels can identify viral pathogens in newborns with suspected sepsis. However, selective testing is more cost-effective due to limited treatment impact and high costs.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Newborns are susceptible to meningitis due to immature blood-brain barriers.
- Empirical antibiotics are standard for suspected clinical sepsis in neonates.
- Evaluating syndromic meningitis/encephalitis (sME) molecular panels is crucial for suspected sepsis cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical utility of sME molecular panel testing in neonates with suspected sepsis.
- To compare selective versus routine testing strategies for sME panels.
- To analyze the impact of sME testing on clinical management and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 58 neonates undergoing sME panel testing on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
- Comparison of selective testing (Period 1) versus routine testing (Period 2).
- Evaluation based on diagnostic stewardship principles.
Main Results:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) detected in 2 neonates during selective testing.
- Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and enterovirus identified in one neonate each during routine testing.
- No significant difference in antibiotic treatment duration or hospital stay between sME-positive and -negative patients; no positive CSF cultures found.
Conclusions:
- sME panels aid in early identification of high-risk viral agents like HSV in neonates.
- Selective testing based on clinical suspicion is recommended due to cost and limited treatment impact.
- Selective sME panel use offers a more appropriate and cost-effective approach for neonates with suspected sepsis.
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