REVIEW article
Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol.
Sec. Extra-intestinal Microbiome
Volume 15 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1642072
Neonatal microbiome dysbiosis decoded by mNGS: from mechanistic insights to precision interventions
Provisionally accepted
- Department of Neonatology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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The neonatal period is a critical stage for microbial colonization and immune system development, with dynamic changes in the microbiome closely linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Traditional microbiological testing methods have low sensitivity and time-consuming limitations compared to metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), which makes it difficult to meet the diagnostic and therapeutic needs of critically ill neonates. mNGS analyzes the total DNA in a sample without bias, allowing comprehensive identification of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and resolution of functional genes, providing new avenues for precision diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as neonatal sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal pneumonia, neonatal meningitis, neonatal jaundice, and other diseases.However, challenges remain, including the need to optimize sample processing workflows and develop portable devices to enhance clinical conversion potential. In this review, we summarize the application, efficacy, and limitations of mNGS in neonatal diseases. This approach paves the way for novel avenues in mechanistic research, early diagnosis, and personalized therapy for these conditions.
Keywords: MNGs, necrotizing enterocolitis, Neonatal sepsis, Neonatal pneumonia, Neonatal meningitis, neonatal jaundice
Received: 09 Jun 2025; Accepted: 29 Jul 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Huang, Li, Liu, Li and Tang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Jun Tang, Department of Neonatology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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