This multicenter study investigated the clinical utility of plasma microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Researchers compared the diagnostic yield of mcfDNA sequencing to standard clinical testing in a prospective observational trial. The results demonstrated that mcfDNA sequencing significantly increased the detection of pneumonia etiologies, particularly in cases where conventional methods failed. This non-invasive approach offers a potential improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in this vulnerable population. The study also noted some limitations, including incomplete standard testing in a subset of patients and the impact of prior antimicrobial therapy.

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PMID: 37815489

Bergin SP, Chemaly RF, Dadwal SS, et al. Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Sequencing in Immunocompromised Patients With Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study. Clin Infect Dis 2024;78(3):775–84.