Case report of a child with severe pertussis complicated by pneumocystis pneumonia diagnosed through mNGS

Co-infection is regarded as an important cause of poor prognosis in infant with severe pertussis. Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus with higher mortality, but co-infection with PJ is seldom reported. An infantile with severe pertussis complicated by pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP). The infant was a 2-month-old girl with whooping cough, crowing sounds and dyspnea. subsequent laboratory results showed leukocytosis, positive Bordetella pertussis ( BP ) -PCR in sputum, and pulmonary hypertension. However, her respiratory distress not relieved, although the leukocyte and pulmonic pressure improved significantly. Eventually with the help of metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS), co-infection with PJ were detected. Unfortunately, she died on Day 15 after admission. PJP can occur in immunocompetent children with severe pertussis, and a delayed diagnosis may also increased mortality. Early diagnosis was difficult while mNGS can provide an effective basis, which should be performed when not respond to treatment. Not applicable.