New DNA testing technology helps doctors diagnose rare and difficult infections
新一代 DNA 檢測技術協助醫生診斷罕見且棘手的感染症
更新於: 2026年6月5日 上午01:45
Medical diagnostics are undergoing a revolution thanks to metagenomic next-generation sequencing, or mNGS.
醫療診斷正經歷一場由宏基因組次世代定序（Metagenomic next-generation sequencing，簡稱 mNGS）所引發的革命。
This innovative technology is changing how doctors identify rare and difficult infections by analyzing genetic material directly from clinical samples.
這項創新技術正在改變醫師辨識罕見與頑固感染的方式，透過直接分析臨床樣本中的遺傳物質來達成。
Unlike traditional methods that rely on growing bacteria in a lab—a process that can take weeks—mNGS is faster and more precise.
與傳統依賴在實驗室中培養細菌的方法不同，mNGS 更為快速且精確。
It is an unbiased approach, capable of detecting bacteria, viruses, and fungi simultaneously without needing a specific target beforehand.
這是一種無偏見（Unbiased）的方法，能夠同時偵測細菌、病毒與真菌，而無需事先設定特定的檢測目標。
For critically ill patients, this speed is a lifesaver.
對於重症患者而言，這種速度是救命的關鍵。
It allows doctors to move away from broad-spectrum antibiotics and provide targeted treatments in as little as two days.
它使醫師能擺脫廣效型抗生素，並在短短兩天內提供標靶治療。
Furthermore, mNGS helps fight antimicrobial resistance by identifying specific genetic markers, preventing the misuse of medication.
此外，mNGS 透過辨識特定的遺傳標記，能防止藥物濫用，進而對抗抗生素抗藥性。
While challenges like data complexity and cost remain, the ultimate goal is to make DNA sequencing a routine diagnostic tool.
儘管資料複雜度與成本等挑戰依然存在，但終極目標是讓 DNA 定序成為常規的診斷工具。
By moving from a trial-and-error approach to a model of precision medicine, healthcare providers can offer faster, more accurate care, potentially transforming infectious disease management globally as the technology becomes more accessible and affordable.
透過從試誤法轉向精準醫療模式，醫療服務提供者能提供更快速、更準確的護理。
