Using advanced techniques to diagnose respiratory infections in children

Integrated Host/Microbe (IHM) Metagenomics of the Lower Airway to Diagnose PediatricRespiratory Infections, Identify Etiologic Pathogens, and Predict Outcomes

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11050513

This study is looking to help doctors better diagnose lung infections in critically ill children on breathing machines by using advanced testing to find germs and understand how they affect the body, with the goal of giving kids the right treatment and reducing unnecessary antibiotics.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050513 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children, particularly those who are critically ill and require mechanical ventilation. By utilizing integrated host/microbe metagenomic sequencing, the study aims to analyze samples from the airway to identify pathogens and understand the interactions between the microbiome and the immune response. This approach seeks to provide more accurate diagnoses, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and improve patient outcomes. The study will involve a multicenter cohort of 400 children, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of this innovative diagnostic method.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill children under 12 years old who are experiencing acute respiratory failure and require mechanical ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not critically ill or do not require mechanical ventilation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of respiratory infections in children, ultimately improving treatment and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using metagenomic sequencing for diagnosing infections, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in pediatric care.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.