Delve Detect Enables Neurologists to Treat CNS Infections When Conventional Testing Fails

Delve Bio to Present Data at American Academy of Neurology 2026 Annual Meeting Showcasing Metagenomic Sequencing's Impact on Serious Brain Infections

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:18am

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image of a human brain, with glowing neural pathways and structures revealed in shades of blue and purple against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the importance of advanced diagnostic tools for treating complex neurological conditions.Advanced metagenomic sequencing technology helps neurologists rapidly identify hard-to-detect pathogens in serious brain infections.Boston Today

Delve Bio, a UCSF spin-out and pioneer in metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for infectious diseases, announced data underscoring the clinical impact of mNGS using Delve Detect to identify pathogens and enable management changes in serious central nervous system (CNS) infections. The data will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2026 Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Why it matters

CNS infections that can cause encephalitis, ventriculitis and brain abscess are among the most time-sensitive diagnostic challenges in neurology. When standard testing returns negative or inconclusive results in a patient whose clinical picture suggests infection, patients and clinicians face a diagnostic odyssey with worse outcomes and very high healthcare costs.

The details

Delve Detect gives clinicians a comprehensive view of the clinically actionable pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid, beyond what current standard-of-care testing can provide. For neurologists managing critically ill patients, starting with comprehensive testing can be the difference between continued trial-and-error therapy and a targeted treatment plan at a time when every minute counts for the patient.

  • The data will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2026 Annual Meeting in Chicago on April 21, 2026.

The players

Delve Bio

A UCSF spin-out and pioneer in metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for infectious diseases.

Brad Murray

Chief executive officer of Delve Bio.

Steve Miller, M.D., Ph.D.

Study author and chief medical officer of Delve Bio.

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What they’re saying

“CNS infections that can cause encephalitis, ventriculitis and brain abscess are among the most time-sensitive diagnostic challenges in neurology. When standard testing returns negative or inconclusive results in a patient whose clinical picture suggests infection, patients and clinicians face a diagnostic odyssey with worse outcomes and very high healthcare costs.”

— Brad Murray, Chief executive officer of Delve Bio

“Delve Detect gives clinicians a comprehensive view of the clinically actionable pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid, beyond what current standard-of-care testing can provide. For neurologists managing critically ill patients, starting with comprehensive testing can be the difference between continued trial-and-error therapy and a targeted treatment plan at a time when every minute counts for the patient.”

— Steve Miller, M.D., Ph.D., Study author and chief medical officer of Delve Bio

What’s next

Delve Bio will present the data at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2026 Annual Meeting in Chicago on April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

Delve Detect's metagenomic sequencing technology can provide a critical advantage for neurologists treating serious central nervous system infections by identifying pathogens that standard testing may miss, enabling faster and more targeted treatment for critically ill patients.