Detection of pathogens and epidemiological characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia in children using metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common respiratory disease in children and a significant factor in child mortality.

Methodology: We aimed to investigate metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology to explore pathogens and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric CAP. We retrospectively analyzed mNGS detection and microbiological culture results of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and sputum samples from children with CAP.

Results: Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen. Bacteria/fungi detection rates using mNGS in sputum and BALF were higher than those using microbiological culture (p < 0.05). Cytomegalovirus was the predominant pathogen in children aged 0-1; Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen in those over 1. Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, human bocavirus 1, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the predominant pathogens in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively.

Conclusions: mNGS is superior to traditional microbiological culture for pediatric CAP potential pathogen detection. CAP pathogenic infection characteristics at different ages and seasons detected by mNGS will benefit clinical practitioners in the prevention and treatment of pediatric CAP in their local/regional areas.