Distinct systemic metabolic phenotypes associated with blood culture positivity and bacterial etiology in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

Introduction

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among young children and older adults. Bacterial pathogens account for a substantial proportion of CAP cases, yet early identification of bacteremia and etiologic agents remains challenging. Blood cultures are slow and often have a limited clinical impact. We hypothesized that plasma metabolomics can capture systemic metabolic signatures associated with blood culture positivity and bacterial etiology at the time of hospital admission.