How a same-day test helps doctors detect hidden infections in critically ill children

Willow’s critical illness

In March, 10-year-old Willow Crowther became dangerously ill with pneumonia. She had a seizure and multiple cardiac arrests, and her family was told to come in to say goodbye.

The test found a drug-resistant bacterial infection that required a different antibiotic from the one Willow had been given. Stacey said having the test available was paramount and credited it with saving Willow’s life. Willow recovered from the infection with the right treatment, but spent several months in hospital.

How the test works

PCR can identify viruses and some bacteria, but clinicians need to specify what they are looking for. Metagenomic testing can instead reveal organisms that routine testing may not find.

Study results at GOSH

Testing at GOSH also detected 50 organisms that routine diagnostics had not identified. A study representative said the approach helped find missed infections, guide treatment and stop antibiotics when they would not work.

Potential early warning role

The GOSH project builds on trials at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, where metagenomic testing was first used to look for respiratory infections in adult patients. A study representative said the test could help identify new infections that might pose a pandemic threat.