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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases
03:22

Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases

Published on: March 1, 2024

A polymicrobial opportunistic infection leading to osteolytic destruction and acute respiratory failure: a case

Yanmei Huang1, Fei Zheng2,3, Wenjuan Cao1

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|June 13, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Diagnosing polymicrobial infections is complex. This case highlights the need for advanced diagnostics like next-generation sequencing to identify multiple opportunistic pathogens for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Polymicrobial infections with opportunistic pathogens present diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and imaging.
  • Accurate pathogen identification is critical for successful treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a challenging case of polymicrobial infection in a diabetic patient.
  • To emphasize the importance of a multimodal diagnostic approach in complex infections.

Main Methods:

  • A 67-year-old male with persistent respiratory and bone symptoms was evaluated.
  • Chest CT, lung biopsy, sputum culture, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were utilized.
  • The patient received targeted antifungal and antimicrobial therapies.

Main Results:

  • Initial diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis was insufficient.
  • Subsequent investigations revealed concurrent infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium abscessus, and Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • Targeted therapy led to patient recovery and discharge.

Conclusions:

  • Single-pathogen diagnostic frameworks are inadequate for complex polymicrobial infections.
  • Repeated assessments and advanced molecular techniques like NGS are crucial for identifying all causative agents.
  • Early recognition and comprehensive treatment of polymicrobial opportunistic infections can improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
Acute respiratory failureCase reportNext-generation sequencingOsteolytic destructionPolymicrobial opportunistic infection

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