Rapid Identification of Bacterial Species Associated with Bronchiectasis via Metagenomic Approach

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disorder and a number of bacterial pathogens are involved.However,30%-40% of sputum and purulent samples in good quality failed to grow any pathogenic bacteria,making it difficult to confirm the pathogen.In this study,we collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from a bronchiectasis patient undergoing acute exacerbation,and sent for 16 S rDNA pyrosequencing by a 454 GS Junior machine.Metagenomic analysis showed the composition of bacterial community in sample was complex.More than a half of reads（51.3%） were from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.This result was corresponding with the culture result but came out 2 d earlier,which is meaningful for early diagnosis and treatment.The detection with 16 S rDNA pyrosequencing technology is more sensitive and rapid than routine culture,and can detect the co-infection or symbiosis in airway,giving us a novel and convenient approach to perform rapid diagnosis.