Fast and precise pathogen detection and identification of overlapping infection in patients with CUTI based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing: A case report

RATIONALE: The gold standard for pathogen detection and identification of complicated urinary tract infection (CUTI) remains quantitative urine culture, however, the diagnostic value of urine culture remains limited due to the time-consuming procedure and low detection rate. Here we report a case of successfully using Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) provided fast and precise detection and identification of overlapping infection in patients with CUTI with no similar reports or studies published before to the best of our knowledge. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 70-year-old male was admitted to hospital due to elevated serum creatinine for 2 weeks. DIAGNOSES: Acute exacerbation of chronic renal failure and CUTI were the most critical diagnosis on admission. INTERVENTIONS: Blood purification, bladder irrigation and aggressive anti-infective therapy were administered. But the empirical anti-infection therapy and the adjustment of treatment according to the evidence of urine culture drug sensitivity had no obvious effect. We further carried out urinary PMseq-DNA detection and the results showed overlapping infection with Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas denitrificans and Candida albicans. According to the genetic test results, linezolid, meropenem and fluconazole triple anti-infection treatment was given. OUTCOMES: After adjusting the treatment, the infection was basically controlled in 10 days, and even the renal function was significantly improved, dialysis independence was achieved after 3 months. LESSONS: Our case illustrated the potential application of mNGS in detecting pathogenic microorganisms in patients with CUTI especially when overlapping infections are present.