Microbial cell-free DNA sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid improves diagnostic yield and may add clinical utility in immunocompromised patients with severe pneumonia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite sophisticated standard of care (SOC) testing (including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid culture and multiplex PCR), the etiology of pneumonia in immunocompromised patients is frequently unknown. Microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing increases diagnostic yield in plasma but remains understudied in BAL fluid.

Methods

This was a single center, retrospective, observational cohort study. Residual BAL fluid collected from immunocompromised, mechanically ventilated patients with suspected pneumonia was sent to Karius^® for mcfDNA sequencing. Given the retrospective design, mcfDNA sequencing results were unavailable to clinicians. SOC testing results were compared to Karius^® BAL (KT-BAL) test reports that classified identified microor

SUBMITTER: Guggilla V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12637749 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature