Comparison Of Oral Microbiota in Pediatric Pneumonia Cases with Healthy Children Using Whole Genome Sequencing

Pneumonia is a leading cause of childhood mortality globally, particularly affecting children under five age group, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Though commonly caused by bacterial agents such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and viral pathogens like RSV, the relationship between pathogen detection and disease causation is complex, involving host immunity and respiratory microbiota. Clinical diagnosis often relies on empirical methods based on symptoms and imaging, leading to ambiguity in antibiotic selection, resulting in inappropriate use and contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Traditional diagnostic approaches face limitations that call for the development of culture-independent molecular methods for comprehensive pathogen detection. This study offers an in-depth metagenomic analysis of the oral microbiome in pediatric pneumonia, highlighting significant pan-domain dysbiosis.