Bruker Expands NGS Capabilities for Sepsis and Bloodstream Infections

Bruker Corporation has acquired the DISQVER clinical metagenomics platform from Noscendo GmbH, expanding its next-generation sequencing infection detection portfolio. Following the acquisition, DISQVER remains available for research use only (RUO) as Bruker progresses registration for diagnostic purposes. 

DISQVER enables metagenomic next-generation sequencing analysis of microbes directly from blood without prior cultivation. The platform processes whole-genome sequencing data and applies advanced, proprietary bioinformatics to search for more than 11,000 different microbes and parasites. The workflow operates on cell-free DNA from blood, delivering results in less than 24 hours after sample receipt.

This clinical research approach can be valuable for investigations of bloodstream infections, sepsis, and endocarditis, as well as other severe infectious diseases. The addition broadens Bruker’s infection diagnostics portfolio, which also spans rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), hospital hygiene testing, sample-to-answer molecular diagnostics with the ELITech Genius platform, and next-generation sequencing workflows for infectious disease testing. In this context, the DISQVER platform adds metagenomics applications intended to support earlier decision-making in critical infections.

“The acquisition of the DISQVER proprietary software and workflow platform is the latest step in our evolution as an innovative microbiology and molecular diagnostics business. We have expanded into rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), hospital hygiene testing, sample-to-answer molecular diagnostics with the ELITech Genius platform, and most recently into NGS for infectious disease testing. DISQVER adds additional NGS applications to our portfolio for metagenomics, and enhances our support for earlier decision-making in sepsis, bloodstream infections, and severe infections,” said Dr. Wolfgang Pusch, President of Bruker Microbiology & Infection Diagnostics.