Targeted next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for pathogen detection in connective tissue disease-related pulmonary infections.

ABSTRACT: The study aims to assess the clinical value of targeted next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF-tNGS) in pulmonary infection associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and characterize the infection profiles in these patients. CTD patients undergoing bronchoscopy with BALF-tNGS between January 2022 to July 2025 were enrolled. tNGS results were compared with conventional microbiological tests (CMTs). Logistic regression identified risk factors for monomicrobial infection and polymicrobial infection. Among 124 CTD patients enrolled, 45 (36.3%) were male with the mean age of 52.6 ± 15.4 years, and the mean disease duration was 4.1 ± 6.1 years. CMTs detected pathogens in 43 patients, yielding 55 isolates: 23 bacteria, 13 viruses, 12 fungi, and 9 Mycoplasma pn

SUBMITTER: Zhong X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12772244 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature