Respiratory microbiota and ventilator-associated pneumonia in children

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant complication among paediatric patients with severe bronchiolitis undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) in paediatric intensive care units. The role of respiratory microbiota in VAP development remains underexplored, particularly in this vulnerable population. This study aimed to characterize the nasopharyngeal (NP) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) microbiota in children with severe bronchiolitis receiving critical care and identify specific microbial patterns in the nasopharynx associated with VAP development. We conducted a cohort study involving paediatric patients with severe bronchiolitis admitted to the PICU and requiring MV. Epidemiological, clinical and microbiological data were collected. Microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of nasopharyngeal aspirate and BAL samples collected before and during MV.