Delve Bio, a pioneer in metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for infectious diseases, recently demonstrated the clinical impact of using its flagship metagenomic pathogen detection test, Delve Detect, to diagnose culture-negative and co-infections in the central nervous system.
The presentations were shared at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2025 Annual Meeting in Boston.
Delve Detect uses metagenomic sequencing to identify viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites with a single test from a single sample, delivering 22% greater diagnostic yield. The presentations on Friday, 14 November, detailed cases in which mNGS testing using Delve Detect enabled faster, more precise management for critically ill patients, including:
- Co-infection in an Immunocompromised Patient: mNGS testing can detect multiple opportunistic pathogens simultaneously, enabling rapid therapeutic decision-making in complex immunosuppressed patients. Standard cultures were negative for an immunocompromised patient with glioblastoma and imaging findings suggestive of invasive fungal infection. Delve Detect identified co-infection with Aspergillus terreus and Varicella-Zoster virus within 30 hours of sample receipt. The results prompted immediate initiation of antiviral therapy alongside targeted antifungal therapy, confirming invasive mould infection and an unrecognised viral co-infection.
- Culture-Negative CNS Infection: mNGS testing can identify fastidious pathogens in culture-negative central nervous system (CNS) infections, enabling clinicians to quickly refine therapy, and potentially reduce morbidity associated with empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobial use. A 50-year-old previously healthy man presented with multifocal brain abscesses and meningoencephalitis. Despite Gram-positive cocci seen on aspirate, all cultures were negative. Delve Detect identified Streptococcus intermedius directly from cerebrospinal fluid, delivering a diagnosis without requiring tissue sampling. The result enabled change in management to targeted antimicrobial therapy.
“Real-world experience underscores what our data show: Delve Detect CSF provides significant clinical benefits to the patients who need them most,” said Brad Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Delve Bio. “Traditional testing often requires clinicians to run multiple tests over days and weeks, all while patients continue to progress. Delve Detect provides a single, comprehensive answer - covering bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens - with next-day results. We’re committed to making this transformative technology widely available to help patients facing serious infections.”
Delve Detect is Delve Bio’s flagship metagenomic testing service, providing comprehensive pathogen detection with results delivered the next day after sample receipt. Each test includes access to Delve’s Clinical Microbial Sequencing Board, an on-call team of infectious disease experts who review results in clinical context. Developed at the University of California, San Francisco, and exclusively licensed to Delve Bio, Delve Detect offers rapid, unbiased detection of pathogens to transform patient care.