Multi-site microbiome analysis reveals the potential of throat swabs as an accessible sample type for lower respiratory tract infections (PRJCA021452)
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) encompass a collection of infections affecting the respiratory tract below the larynx. These infections have consistently posed a significant public health concern, linked to significant morbidity and mortality. Data from World Health Organization (WHO) showed there were 489 million incident cases of LRTI in 2019, making it the fourth most deadly communicable disease globally, resulting in 2.6 million fatalities. Hence, the principle etiological agents of LRTI and microbial initiation and progression have garnered significant attention.