Can lung microbiome directed anti-microbial therapy change outcomes in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome?

Characterization of bacterial and fungal lung microbiota has the potential to reveal previously unrecognized pathogens, serve as a prognostic marker or guide antimicrobial therapy. Here we report 16S rRNA and ITS rRNA sequencing studies in a series of pediatric ARDS (PARDS) patients and discuss the findings. We highlight the discrepancy between sequencing and culture techniques and discuss the potential implications on patient outcome.