Application of Different Sampling Methods Combined with Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing to Detect Pathogens in Children with Severe Pneumonia on Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the value of applying different sampling methods combined with metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to detect pathogens in children with severe pneumonia on mechanical ventilation.

Methods

Forty children with severe pneumonia on mechanical ventilation were selected, and routine endotracheal suctioning and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) sampling methods were performed. The diagnostic efficacy of different sampling methods combined with mNGS versus traditional etiological pathogen detection strategies was compared.

Results

The positive rate of mNGS pathogen detection after routine endotracheal suctioning and BALF sampling was higher than that of traditional etiological detection strategies (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the positive rates of pathogen detection by routine endotracheal suctioning + mNGS and BALF + mNGS (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with traditional etiological detection strategies, mNGS is more efficient for diagnosing pathogens. In clinical practice, an appropriate sampling method should be selected for mNGS-based detection according to the condition of the patient. These findings could be of great importance in the diagnosis and treatment of severe pneumonia.

Keywords:

• sampling method
• next-generation sequencing
• severe pneumonia
• metagenomics
• mechanical ventilation

Ethics Approval and Informed Consent

2021-K-114-01. The medical ethics committee of The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University approved this study.Data were collected in strict confidentiality.The hospital has an ethical exemption for such retrospective research articles, witch were also discussed by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in the mid-term and found to be compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Wenzhou Science and Technology Plan Project: Y2020070.